Jubilation: The Punjab gamers are on cloud 9 after changing into the champion.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
Anmolpreet Singh selected the excellent day to attain his maiden T20 century as his 113-run knock helped Punjab clinch its maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title defeating Baroda in the remaining by 20 runs at the I.S. Bindra stadium right here on Monday.
Ninad Rathva (47, 22b, 5×4, 3×6) and Abhimanyusingh Rajput (61, 42b, 3×4, 4×6) saved Baroda in the hunt — helped by some sloppy fielding by Punjab which put down 4 catches.
However, the destiny of the sport was sealed in the penultimate over of an exhilarating run chase when Arshdeep Singh introduced his A-game and picked up three wickets together with that of Krunal Pandya (45, 32b 3×4 1×6), Shivalik Sharma and Bhanu Pania.
Despite the dew in the second half, a 224-run goal proved past Baroda’s attain and Punjab gained the title in entrance of the dwelling crowd.
Earlier, Anmolpreet smacked a 58-ball ton and added 138 for the fourth wicket with Nehal Wadhera, who scored an entertaining 61 (27b, 6×4, 4×6).
Put in, Punjab began badly as Abhishek Sharma was out for a golden duck and Prabhsimran Singh went for 9. Krunal Pandya then despatched again Mandeep Singh, who tried a reverse sweep as the rating learn 80 for 3.
But the Anmolpreet-Nehal partnership was the spotlight of the innings in entrance of a good turnout that cheered the native favourites.
The Baroda bowlers wavered of their line and lengths as the Punjab duo despatched each full toss to the fence — 9 sixes and three fours got here off the final 21 balls — and received the group to 223 for 4 in its 20 overs.
Apart from Krunal Pandya, who completed his quota with one for 30, the different bowlers had a forgettable outing.
The scores:
Punjab 223/4 in 20 overs (Anmolpreet Singh 113, Mandeep Singh 32) bt Baroda 203/7 in 20 overs (Ninad Rathva 47, Abhimanyusingh Rajput 61, Krunal Pandya 45, Arshdeep Singh 4/23). Toss: Baroda.
