CHANDIGARH, NOV 29 :A breezy unbeaten knock of 72 in 25 balls by Gurinder Saini and deadly bowling spell by left arm spinner Balwar Pooni (4 for 10) paved the way for HDFC Bank to claim the MG Cup, organised by Chandigarh Sports Club at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here on Saturday. In the final match, HDFC Bank scored an authoritative 89-run victory to emerge undisputed champions.
HDFC won the toss and elected to bat. They posted an impressive total of 217 for 4 in allotted 25 overs. Gurvinder Saini was associated in two useful partnerships. With Charanjeet he contributed 58 runs for the fourth wicket and later with Dashmeet he realised 42 runs in 12 deliveries for the fifth wicket association. Prolific scorer Gurinder Saini’s unbeaten innings was studded with four well-executed boundaries and seven big sixes. He faced just 25 deliveries.
Earlier, Charanjeet (57, 6x4s, 1×6, 52 balls) and Balwar Pooni (39) were associated in a valuable 86-run partnership for the third wicket.
Ranjeet Singh was the most successful bowler for Sigma XI.
In reply, Sigma XI were bundled out for 128 in 18.1 overs. Only Mohan (22), Rakesh (22) and Jaswinder (19) could face left arm spinner Pooni (4 for 10) and Chandan Puri (4 for 19) with some confidence.
Gurinder Saini was declared the best batsman of the tournament while the Man of the Match award went to Charanjit Singh.
Brief scores: HDFC Bank: 217 for 4 in 25 overs (Gurinder Saini 72 not out, 4x4s, 7x6s, Charanjeet Singh 57, 6x4s, 1×6, Balwar Pooni 39, Ranjeet Singh 2 for 22).
Sigma XI: 128 all out in 18.1 overs (Mohan 22, Rakesh 22, Jaswinder Singh 19, Balwar Pooni 4 for 10, Chandan Puri 4 for 19).
Best batsman: Gurinder Saini (HDFC). Best bowler: Sanjay Jain (Sigma). Best all-rounder: Sandeep Mehta (Sigma) and Man of the Match: Charanjit Singh (HDFC).