Shashank Singh Plays A Match Winning Knock In His Comeback Game

Shashank Singh, makes an emphatic return to cricket in the Ranji Trophy for Chhattisgarh against Pondicherry in a low scoring thriller after being on the sidelines for almost two months due to a hamstring injury. The all-rounder last played a game in the Mushtaq Ali and faced a staggering challenge alongside his team of a rang turner. 

Batting first, Chhattisgarh were dismissed for just 162 in the first innings of the game. Wicketkeeper Shahnawaz Hussain high scored with a crucial 43 off 56 as Sagar Udeshi and Ankit Sharma picked up 4 wickets each. Unfortunately, this advantage was wiped out completely as Pondicherry were bowled out for an embarrassing 37 in their first innings. Only Sumit Ruikar and Ajay Mandal were required to bowl where Sumit claimed 3 wickets in 12 overs and Ajay produced a magical spell of 11.2 overs, 6 maidens, 7 runs conceded with 7 wickets claimed. 

The crucial second inning began and Chhattisgarh were found wanting with 4 wickets down for just 46 on board and in came Shashank Singh. With his skipper Harpreet Singh Bhatia on the other end, both forged a match winning innings of 96 for the 5th wicket. Captain Bhatia contributed with an anchoring innings of 63 off 86 deliveries with 4 fours and 2 sixes. Singh’s rapid innings of 56 of just 65 balls saw the scoreboard tick consistently. Shashank smashed a total of 7 boundaries including 2 sixes. Ultimately, they were bowled out for 184 after the partnership of Bhatia and Singh fell. Sagar Udeshi claimed 7 wickets in 20 overs. 

With 309 on board, Chhattisgarh were in the driving seat as Pondicherry struggled to bat on the challenging wicket. Arun Karthik (55* off 82) and Neyan Kangayan (49 off 106) tried their level best but Pondicherry were bowled out for just 177. Ajay Mandal picked up 6 wickets in his 23-over spell to wrap up the innings. 

Chhattisgarh won their first league game of the Ranji Trophy.