Sporting edge Sehgal in 737-run thriller to reach Laxman Das Chhabra Memorial final

New Delhi: Sporting Club booked their place in the final of the 41st All India Laxman Das Chhabra Memorial Cricket Tournament after defeating Sehgal Cricket Club by six runs in a thrilling high-scoring semi-final at St Stephen’s Ground, Mori Gate.

Batting first, Sporting Club piled up a mammoth 372/8 in 40 overs, powered by explosive knocks from their top and middle order. Abhinay led the charge with a sensational 92 off just 51 balls, smashing four boundaries and eight sixes.

Former IPL player Deepak Punia played a blistering innings of 68 runs off 29 deliveries, including six fours and five sixes. Rishabh Drall contributed 69 runs, while Kunal Sangwan and Shivam Gupta chipped in with 48 runs each. Vision Panchal also played a quick cameo of 23 runs off 14 balls with three fours and a six.

In reply, Sehgal Cricket Club mounted a strong fightback but were eventually bowled out for 365 runs in 37.5 overs. Pankaj Jaswal produced a knock of 95 off only 34 balls, hammering six fours and 10 sixes, while Prince Yadav scored 91 off 60 deliveries with 15 boundaries and two sixes. Dhiru Singh added 38 runs, but the target ultimately proved just out of reach.

Sporting Club bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages, with Sushil Kumar claiming four wickets for 85 runs. Lalit Yadav took two wickets for 60 runs, while Vision Panchal capped an excellent all-round performance with figures of 2/44. Deepak Punia also picked up two wickets, conceding 58 runs.

Vision Panchal was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by umpire Krishan Kumar Bali and Mohinder Chhabra. Pankaj Jaswal received the Fighter of the Match award for his explosive innings.

With the victory, Sporting Club advanced to the final, where they will take on Bal Bhavan Cricket Academy, Dwarka.

Tags : Cricket, Sporting Club, Deepal Punia, Lalit Yadav, Vision Panchal