With college exam in sight, Arpit Rana races to match winning century

Arpit Rana, a left-handed batsman who represented Delhi in the Col. CK Nayudu Trophy, was in such a hurry that he smashed LB Shastri Cricket Club for a 44-ball unbeaten 100 to help his team, Bal Bhavan Cricket Academy romp to a nine-wicket win in the 48th Lala Raghubir Memorial Cricket Tournament underway at the Modern School Lower Ground, Barakhamba Road.

"I had to appear for an exam on 'Understanding Globalisation' at 2.30 pm in my college (Swami Shraddhanand College, Delhi University). So I decided to go all out after the bowling and rushed to the college after the knock," said the 21-year-old Rana.

He was in such a hurry that Mayank Rawat, who had picked 4/20 as Bal Bhavan decimated LB Shastri Club for 180 in 25.4 overs, had to take the Player of the Match Award on his behalf.

"I felt the ball was coming onto the bat well and the strokes came off well," said Rana of his innings which comprised eight sixes and 10 fours.

Bal Bhavan skipper Yash Dhull, who is making a comeback after recovering from injury by playing Hot Weather Tournaments, showed a good glimpse of his skills as he remained unbeaten on 46 off 29 balls (6x4s, 2x6s).

Bal Bhavan reached 181/9 in 14.5 overs.

Earlier, LB Shastri skipper Mohit Ahlawat scored 53 off 48 balls (4x4s, 4x6s) and opener Vikas Dixit hit 48 off 31 balls (5x4s, 3x6s). These were the only two players who shone on the day as Bal Bhavan bowlers kept picking wickets to not let the opposition settle down.

Ahlawat has been in great form. On Monday, May 19, he had smashed a 100 to help Sahgal Cricket Club win the Tyagmurti GG Dutt title at SGTB Khalsa College Ground. He also won the Best Batsman of the Tournament Award there.

Tags : Arpit Rana, Mayank Rawat, Delhi cricket, Modern School, Mohit Ahlawat