Skipper Sahu guides Bilaspur into final

BILASPUR TEAM today entered the final of the All India Mayank Chaturvedi Memorial Cricket tournament being organised at the Old Campion Ground. Santosh Sahu was declared ‘HT Man of the Match’.

In the first semifinal against the last year’s champion Jhansi Division, the Bilaspur team studded with international cricketer JP Yadav found little resistance.

Once again Bilaspur won the toss and opted to bat first. After sending three top batsmen of Bilaspur including JP Yadav for just 44 runs, Jhansi division bowlers looked set to restrict the opponents on small total.

Skipper Santosh Sahu, who came to bat two down, had a responsibility to play an important innings. Setting example for others, Sahu played one of his best innings by scoring 102 off 116 runs.

Such was his fine innings that he scored runs almost on every delivery. Sahu took two hours to complete his ton that included three sixes and seven boundaries. His important innings saw the Bilaspur piling 210 in their stipulated 45 overs.

Jhansi batsmen disappointed the huge gathering at the ground. Except opener Sarfaraz Ahmed, others failed to withstand the outstanding bowling of Bilaspur. The team was all out for 193. Sarfaraz scored 51 runs.

For the Bilaspur team JP Yadav, Madan Yadav and Brijesh Upadhyay claimed two wickets each. Hindustan Times General Manager Fehmi Hussain awarded Santosh Sahu with the ‘HT Man of the Match’ trophy.

First Published: Jan 25, 2006 14:36 IST