Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010361351800.htm

Sport - Cricket

Sharad and Gurinder revive Punjab

VISAKHAPATNAM: Sharad Lumba and Gurinder Singh steadied Punjab with an unbroken 103-run stand for the fourth wicket as the last year’s runner-up reached 259 for six at stumps on the first day of the Cooch-Behar Trophy semifinal against Uttar Pradesh at the Ukku Stadium here on Friday.

Lumba (85, 9x4,1x6) and Gurinder (61, 9x4) came together when Punjab was in trouble at 156 for six. The damage was caused by U.P. medium pacer Md. Ahraz and left-arm spinner Gagandeep Singh, who claimed three and two wickets respectively.

The scores: Punjab 259 for six in 90 overs (Sharard Lumba 85 batting, Gurundier Singh 61 batting, Anil Sihag 34, Himansu Chawla 33, Mandeep Singh 25, Md. Ahraz three for 65) vs U.P.

Haryana 174 in 71 overs (Manoj Chandila 59, Rahul Tiwetia 26 batting, Sourav Netravalkar three for 59) vs. Mumbai 32 for two in 16.1 overs. — Special Correspondent