Chandan Wani shines in drawn encounter

Photo: Mukund Bhute

Cadence keeper Telang dropped Jalgaon batsman's catch

B D Narayankar

bapun@sakalherald.com

PUNE: In a drawn encounter, Chandan Wani pulled Jalgoan out from the clutches of an inevitable follow-on with his 80-runs knock against Cadence in the MCA U-19 Super League Tournament played at AFK Cricket Ground here on Tuesday.

Chandan’s was an heroic effort, coming into bat when Jalgaon were reeling at 71 for 4. He found his touch in his very first over when he swept Oswal over the square-leg fence for four.

Contrary to this stroke, Chandan played a determined and gutsy knock deciding to occupy the crease and remain not out till the end. He, however, did not lose any opportunity to score runs.

Cadence bowlers, instead of attacking Chandan early on, bowled to his strengths, who did not have any difficulty to put away those pitching round his leg and middle stump. He swept, on-drove and swatted the ball with grace.

Chandan inspired his partners Sumit Dixit and Shashank Attarde too. They gave ample support to him. First, Chandan and Sumit knit a stand of 69 for fifth wicket and 66 for sixth with Attarde.

Just when Jalgaon was appearing to have found their foot, they lost Sumit caught Nitesh Salekar of Kambil’s bowling. They went into lunch 189 for five disappointed.

After lunch, Cadence struck two early blows -- Chintan Pashankar had Attarde stumped round his stumps first up and Chetan Telang threw in a direct throw from short thirdman, running Chandan out.

Soon Jalgaon lost last three wickets cheaply and were bowled out for 224 conceding 95-runs lead to Cadence. Chintan and Nitesh claimed three wickets each conceding 6 and 33 runs respectively.

In reply, Cadence started their second innings terribly losing three quick wickets. Ninad Choudhari terrorised the openers with steady line and length with good pace.

Ninad got rid of Chintan for naught, who gave an easy catch in the slips after flashing hard at the ball moving outside. Then he clean bowled A Shrikhande for 14.

Udit Birla showed his form yet again by scoring a half-century, remaining not out on 50.

When Cadence reached 75 for three, both umpires called off the match after consulting two captains.

SCORES: Jalgaon I Innings: 224 all out in 77 overs (Chandan Wani 80, Nitesh Salekar 3 for 33, Chintan Pashankar 3 for 6); Cadence II Innings: 75 for 3 (Udit Birla 50 n o, Ninad Choudhari 2 fo 16) Result: Match Drawn