Punjab pip Assam by 1 run in a Vijay Hazare thriller

Hyderabad, Dec 14:
Sarupam Purkayastha’s valiant 125 went in vain as Punjab eked out a thrilling one-run win over Assam in a group A encounter of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, here today to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
Abu Nechim Ahmed (1, 5 balls) played four dot balls in the final over as Punjab snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Batting first, Punjab posted a massive 327 for four with Mandeep Singh (117 no) and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (62) being the chief contributors. Mandeep’s 97-ball innings had 12 boundaries and three sixes.
Gurkeerat’s blazing 36-ball knock contained seven boundaries and three sixes.
Gurkeerat-Mandeep added 128 runs in only 11.5 overs for the fourth wicket to prop up the Punjab score.
In reply, Assam were cruising along at one stage having scored 246 for 3 in 39th over before ending tantalisingly close at 326 for eight in stipulated 50 overs.
Sarupam, who has been barred from bowling after his action was found to be suspect, has now started opening the innings. He faced 112 balls to hit 18 boundaries and a six.(PTI)

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