CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11: brilliant knock of 78 by Kuljinder Singh paved the way for Sector 16 Cricket Stadium Academy to annex the Chandigarh Under-13 Inter-Academy 30 Overs Cricket Tournament as they defeated Mohali Cricket Academy by 67 runs in final at the St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here today. The tournament was organised by Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy.Mohali Cricket Association also have to blame themselves for their disappointing performance as their four batsmen ran themselves out.. Tejas (8), Ramandeep (0), Amrinder (7) and Sarthak (9) were the run-outs as Mohali Cricket Academy were restricted to 117 for 7 in stipulated 30 overs. Sehaj and Gaurav were their main scorers as they remained not out on 27 and 23, respeectively. Sehaj hit two boundaries while Gaurav reached the fence four times. Arunam contributed 15 runs. Off spinner Kapil captured two wickets for 33 runs. Daksh got one for 19.
Earlier, MCA won the toss and asked Sector 16 Cricket Stadium Academy to bat first. Their prolific opener Kuljinder Singh (78) and Avneet (15) gave their team a good start by putting on 73 runs for the first wicket stand. Kuljinder who flayed the MCA bowlers scored an impressive innings which contained ten fours and two sixes. Daksh made 17 and Priyanshu got 8.
Jasinder (2 for 25), Gurpreet (2 for 36) and Sarthak (2 for 37) were the main wicket takes for MCA.
Manjot Singh (145 runs) and Parnav Vashisht (seven wickets), both of DPAC Academy, were adjudged the best batsman and the best bowler, respectively. Kuljinder Singh of Sector 16 Cricket Stadium Academy was declared the Man of the match and the Player of the Tournament. Sarthak Grover of MCA was declared the all-rounder (115 runs, 5 wkts).
Munish Bali of Punjab Cricket Association, who was assistant coach of the victorious Under-19 World Cup was also honoured on this occasion. DPAC Academy also felicitated St Stephen's Football Academy which won the Manchester Cup in Goa. St Stephen's School Principal Harold Carver was the chief guest and distributed the prizes.
Speaking on the occasion, DPAC Academy chairman Dronacharya Desh Prem Azad suggested that younger cricketers should be provided longer duration competitions and not 20-20. He announced in future his academy would host matches of 40 to 50 overs each side. He also advocated appointment of Indian coaches with the Indian teams.
Brief scores: Sector 16 Stadium Academy: 184 for 7 in 30 overs (Kuljinder 78, Daksh 17, Avneet 15, Priyanshu 8, Jasinder 2 for 25, Gurpreet 2 for 36, Sarthak 2 for 37).
Mohali Cricket Association: 117 for 7 in 30 overs (Sehaj 27 not out, Gaurav 23 not ouot, Arunam 15, Kapil 2 for 33, Daksh 1 for 19).
Best batsman: Manjot Singh (DPAC Academy). Best bowler: Parnav Vashisht (DPAC Academy). Man of the match: Kuljinder Singh (Sector 16 Stadium Academy). All-rounder: Sarthak Grover (MCA). Player of the Tournament: Kuljinder Singh (Sector 16 Stadium Academy).