Laxman, Bugga power Delhi Colts to innings win over Chandigarh

Riding on Arnav Bugga’s all-round performance and nine-wicket haul from pace bowler Laxman, Delhi under-19 defeated Chandigarh by innings and 94 runs in a Cooch Behar Trophy game at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground of the Arun Jaitley Stadium to almost confirm their spot in the next stage.

Chandigarh were bowled out for 168 in their first innings.

They were 58/5 at one stage before Markanday Panchal (45) and Eshit Salaria (85) took them to their eventual score.

Laxman, who hails from Najafgarh and has learnt the tricks of trade at Baba Haridas Cricket Academy there, was the pick of the bowlers with 5/50. Udhav Mohan took 3/65.

The multi-skilled Bugga took 2/13, one with medium pace and another with off-spin.

Delhi then were bowled out for 368 with opener Bugga scoring 91, Manthan Tanwar making 57 and Atulya scoring 68.

Laxman (left) picked nine wickets in the match

The lead was quite big and gave Delhi Colts a big cushion. The bowlers made full use of the opportunity, dismissing Chandigarh for just 106. Laxman was again the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/44.

Pace bowler Udhav Mohan, who took 3/65 in the first innings, scalped 3/41 in the second innings. 

Bugga took two wickets again for eight runs with his off-spin.

“The pitch encouraged spin, so I decided to bowl off-spin,” said Bugga, who also bowls leg-spin and medium-pace.

Pace bowler Laxman, who will turn 18 next month, was not played in the first three matches and drafted in this game. He had played to one-dayers but was not picked after that.

The right-arm pacer, who bowls at 120-125 kmph was the standout bowler at the under-16 level in the 2022-23 season, picking 35 wickets, the third biggest haul in India. He was the top wicket-taker among pace bowlers across the country.

“I am quite happy with my Cooch Behar Trophy debut. I was out due to back injury for four months. I got fit just before the Delhi Premier League (DPL) and practiced for two months for that,” said Laxman to www.thedelhijunction.com.

Laxman had turned out for Purani Dilli 6 in the DPL.

Delhi are placed second in Elite Group A with 20 points, the same as Baroda who also have 20 points. Baroda are, however, ahead due to bettr run quotient of 2.592. 

Karnataka and Odisha are third and fourth respectively with 13 points each.  

Tags : Delhi cricket, Laxman, Arnav Bugga, under-19, Cooch Behar Trophy, Najafgarh, Arun Jaitley Stadium