The cheers in the Punjab dug-out grew louder with each stroke off Abhishek Sharma and Mandeep Singh’s bats as the duo powered the team into the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a six-wicket win over Delhi at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium on Saturday.
Abhishek’s 77 and Mandeep’s unbeaten 63 had the small crowd on its feet as Punjab chased down the 184-run target with eight balls to spare.
A cover drive for four got Abhishek going, but the situation was such that the opener had to be circumspect after losing three partners inside the PowerPlay. However, he shifted gears when took on Suyash Sharma — who had been impressive for Delhi in the tournament — and hit him for a six and four off the first two deliveries of his spell.
