Punjab hope to book place in knockouts

Punjab have everything to play for in their second last Ranji league tie against Orissa starting on Tuesday, reports Ashutosh Sharma.

Updated on: Dec 8, 2009, 24:44:25 IST

Hindustan Times | By Ashutosh Sharma, Chandigarh

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Punjab have everything to play for in their second last Ranji league tie against Orissa starting on Tuesday.

After turning around a mundane season with two consecutive victories, Punjab is on the threshold of qualifying for the knockouts and can cement their place as third best in the group.

Waiting for Orissa is a green top, prepared for the home team to give full advantage to their in-form pacers. The pitch immediately became the talking point as Orissa skipper Shiv Sunder Das pointed out. “Discipline and patience will be required on this pitch,” he said.

Punjab were unfazed with Manpreet Gony and Love Ablish in the form of their lives. “Our team is doing well. I think we have a chance in this match,” said Punjab skipper Dharmani.

Punjab has made two changes. Wicketkeeper Chandan Madan and Manish Bhatia have made way for mediumpacer Bharat Loomba and left-arm spinner Rajwinder Golu.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh Sharma is based in Chandigarh and has been a sports journalist for over a decade. He mainly writes on cricket.

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