SIRSA, SEPT 12 :India XI, led by Digvijay Singh, defeated World XI by 26 runs in a 10-over-a-side exhibition cricket match played at the Jannayak Chaudhary Devi Lal National Cricket Academy Stadium in Sirsa on Friday,.
Watched by Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, Indian Amateur Boxing Association President Abhey Singh Chautala and Member of Parliament and president of Table Tennis Federation of India Ajay Singh Chautala, India XI piled up 107 for 3 in allotted 10 overs. Showmik Chatterjee was the top scorer with 29. Opener Imran Khan (13), Sahil Malhotra (17) and Narender Kumar (13) were their other main scorers.
Faisal Javed and Abbas got wicekt each for 18 and 16 runs.
In reply, World XI could score only 81 for 5 in stipulated 10 overs.N Abeyrathne of Sri Lanka and Adnan Butt (19) of Pakistan were their principal scorers. Digvijay Singh (2 for 7) and Dharmender (2 for 7) restricted the Wold XI total.
Digvijay Singh was adjudged the man of the match.
Earlier, Sanjay Dutt got a tumultuous welcome on his arrival. He was received by Abhey Chautala, Ajay Chautala, Director General of JCD Vidyapeeth Dr Kuldeep Singh Dhindsa and Sandeep Godara and other dignitaries. Sanjay had a lap of the stadium in the battery-operated fourwheel cart driven by Abhey Chautala. As soon as he arrived the air rented with voice "Munna Bhai". Nearly 8000 spectators gave him a standing ovation.
After interacting with the mediapersons, Sanjay Dutt left for Bhatinda were the finals of the National Boxing Championships were scheduled today. Ajay Chautala accompnied Sanjay Dutt who has been appointed Brand Ambassador of Indian Boxing.
Brief scores:India XI: 107 for 3 (Imran Khan 13, Sahil Malhotra 17, Showmik Chatterjee 29, Digvijay Singh not out 9, Narender Kumar 13, Faisal Javed 1 for 16, Abbas 1 fdor 18). World XI:81 for 5 (Adnan Butt 19, N Abeyrathne not out 36, Faisal Javed 9, Abbas not out 9, Gigvijay Singh 2 for 7, Dharmender 2 for 7, Narender Kumar 1 for 7).