Rajasthan stormed into the knockout stage of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, defeating Haryana by 30 runs in its last Elite Group C fixture at Vadodara on Tuesday.
Good partnership
Put in to bat, in-form Deepak Hooda’s blistering 75 (47b, 5x4, 4x6) and Mahipal Lomror’s 46 (38b, 5x4, 1x6) guided Rajasthan to a competitive total of 155/6.
Rajasthan was reeling at 4/2 after losing openers Yash Kothari (0) and Ashok Menaria (0). But with Lomror and Hooda putting up an 87-run stand, Rajasthan fought back in style.
While Lomror crafted his innings with five boundaries and a six, Hooda toyed with Haryana bowlers, hammering five fours and four sixes.
After Lomror was trapped leg before by Harshal Patel, Hooda took the onus on himself and ensured that his bowlers had enough runs to defend.
In reply, Haryana was bundled out for 125, with Mohit Jain claiming four wickets for 14 runs.
Chasing 156, Haryana lost skipper Harshal Patel (14) early.
Even though Chaitanya Bishnoi (41; 45b, 4x4) tried to steady the ship, he did not get support from the others.
For Rajasthan, pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti scalped 3/25. With this win, Rajasthan topped the group with 20 points after remaining unbeaten in the league stage.
Jaiswal shines
Himachal Pradesh also proceeded to the knockouts after beating Andhra by 30 runs.
Raghav Dhawan’s 57 and Prashant Chopra’s 35 guided Himachal to 148/7 and, in its chase, Andhra was bundled out for 118, with Pankaj Jaiswal claiming a five-for (5/18).
In the other match, Jharkhand defeated Jammu & Kashmir by five wickets.
