Our Sports Correspondent Ludhiana, September 16 Patiala took a decisive lead of 46 runs in the first innings of the semifinal against Ludhiana in the ongoing Punjab State Inter-District Katoch Shield Cricket Championship on the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus ground here today. In reply to Ludhiana’s first innings total of 249 runs, Patiala resumed at overnight score of 62 for one and after some middle-order hiccups, managed to cling on to post 295 runs to gain lead, which would decide the outcome of this match. The visitors began second day’s proceedings on an over cautious note, giving no chance to hosts’ bowlers to settle down. However, this approach proved counter effective and landed them in trouble as half of their team was back into the pavilion with just 138 runs on the board. Ludhiana skipper, Geetansh Khera used his bowlers, Krishan Kumar, Simranjeet Singh, Baltej Singh and Sukhjinder Singh very astutely, which pushed Patiala batsmen against the wall. Then, Anmol Malhotra and Karan Kalia joined hands to thwart Ludhiana’s efforts to taste more success. The pair added invaluable 83 runs for the sixth wicket and also steered their side to reach close to Ludhiana’s first innings score. Anmol stayed at the wicket for 139 minutes for his score of 57 runs that included one six and four boundaries while Karan played a patient innings of 51 runs off 159 balls inclusive of just three hits over the fence. Akul Pandove and Sandeep Sharma kept their heads down, played sensibly to help Patiala surpass hosts’ score. They contributed 18 and 21 runs, respectively, which played a vital role in gaining the lead. For Ludhiana, Krishan Kumar was the pick of bowlers, taking five wickets for 116 runs while Baltej Singh and Simranjeet Singh got two wickets each. Facing first innings deficit, Ludhiana began their second essay on a dismal note, losing a wicket very early. At draw of stumps, they were 17 for one. Brief scores 249 all out ( Geetansh Khera 101, Sukhjinder Singh 50, Jaish Jain 35, Sunny Pandey 15, Krishan Kumar 12 and Simranjeet Singh 20; Sandeep Sharma 3 for 38, Karan Kalia 3 for 40, Uai Markanday 2 for 75, Sanvir 1 for 20 and Rajwinder 1 for 67).295 all out ( Prabhjot 60, Anmol Malhotra 57, Karan Kalia 51, Anmolpreet 35, Sandeep Sharma 21, Akul Pandove 18, Sanvir and Jeevanjot 13; Krishan Kumar 5 for 116, Baltej Singh 2 for 49, Simranjeet Singh 2 for 75 and Sukhjinder Singh 1 for 30).17 for one after 10 overs (Gurjot 9, Sunny Pandey 6* and Kashish 1*).

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