Chandigarh, The fourth edition of Under 16 Balramji Das Tandon Multi Days Tournament formally began on Tuesday at the Tau Devi Stadium in Panchkula. Haryana Govt’s Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam and former Speaker of Haryana Legislative Assembly Gian Chand Gupta unveiled the tournament trophy in the presence of organizer UTCA President Sanjay Tandon. Apart from Chandigarh’s two teams A and B, teams from J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Tripura and Mizoram are participating in the tournament. The final of the tournament will be held on 16-17 November. In his welcome address, UTCA President Sanjay Tandon stressed upon promoting cricket from the grassroots level. He said with this vision, Gully Cricket tournament was started two years ago which is getting widespread support and enthusiasm across the region.. On this occasion, Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam praised the efforts of UTCA and Tandon and said that they have played a vital role in giving a new dimension to cricket in Chandigarh. He advised the young players to get addicted to the game so that they can enhance their supporting career. He also announced a sum of Rs 5 lakh for the promotion of the tournament. On this occasion, SDM Gaurav Chauhan, DSO Panchkula Neelkamal, former MLA and Director Sahitya Academy Harpal Singh Cheeka along with other dignitaries and cricket lovers were present.
Earlier, at the same venue, Chandigarh A registered a thumping victory of 180 runs over Himachal Pradesh. In reply to Chandigarh’s 167, HP collapsed for 36. Hosts resumed its overnight score of 56/1 and piled up 147 with the fine contribution from skipper Akul Bhanot (41). Visitors got a target of 279. In reply, HP collapsed at 98 runs wherein Varun Thakur (30) was the top scorer. Ranveer Ahuja (5/31) took five wickets in the innings and ten wickets in the match.He was awarded with the Man of the Match.
In another match played at Cricket Institute of Chandigarh J&K defeated Mizoram by an innings and 158 runs. J&K scored 344/6 runs after bundling out Mizoram for 85 runs. Mizoram, in his second inning scored 101. Mir Waqas took seven wickets in the match.
The third match of the day played between Punjab and Delhi at GNPS 36 was settled in a draw. Delhi scored 129 runs in reply to Punjab’s 164 runs. Punjab scored 191/3 runs in the second innings. Later, Delhi scored 115/1 runs and drew the match.
Wednesday is the rest day of the tournament.
