JAIPUR: An improved batting display by Himachal Pradesh helped them prevent defeat against Rajasthan in the Col CK Nayudu Trophy cricket tournament at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium in Amtar on Wednesday.
Forced to follow-on on Tuesday, Himachal ended up with 256 for 8 in their second innings to frustrate Rajasthan on the fourth and last day. Thanks to a huge first innings lead of 262, Rajasthan managed to pocket three points as the match ended in a thrilling draw on the final day.
Needing to score at least 263 to avoid an innings defeat, Himachal batted the entire day to thwart Rajasthan. At one stage, Himachal were tottering at 171 for the loss of five wickets in the 62nd over. But Rajasthan bowlers could not polish off the tail as the hosts managed to escape with a draw.
When Mridul Surroch (31) and Deep Singh (1) were dismissed in a span of just 6 runs (226/7) in the post-tea session, Rajasthan sensed the win. However, Akshit Kanwar shattered the hopes of the visitors with a fighting unbeaten 10 off 41 balls.
Brief Scores:
Himachal Pradesh 297 and 256/8 in 97 overs (Kushal Pal 85, Kabir Singh 69, Abhishek Thakur 43, Mridul Surroch 31, Akshit Kanwar 10 not out; Mohit Changra 3-47, Himanshu Nehra 2-48, Anirudh Singh and A Sharma 1 wkt each) drew with Rajasthan 559 in 152.5 overs
