Christmas cricket tourney

By our Sports Reporter

ITANAGAR, Dec 14: The Kheraded Welfare Society (KWS) organize a cricket tournament from December 16 at Sagalee general ground in Papum Pare district to commemorate the Christmas celebrations. The tournament will come end on December 23, two days ahead of Christmas. THE SENTINEL

Assam move to semis of Ranji

GUWAHATI, Dec 11: A first innings lead against Vidarbha ensured Assam’s berth in the semi-final of the Plate group Ranji Trophy Championship though the match between the two sides ended as a draw at the Nehru Stadium here today. Assam will now face Andhra Pradesh in the semi-final which will be held at the same venue from December 15.

Both Asssam and Vidarbha needed just a first innings lead from this match to earn the semi-final berth which will also keep alive their hope to get promotion in elite group. A good all round performance from Assam shattered Vidarbha’s hope and Assam moved into the semi-final getting the top position in the points table. It was the fifth match for Assam and they altogether collected 13 points. Tripura was the second team from this group who qualified into the semi-final collecting 12 points from same number of matches.

Both the semi-finals will be held from December 15. Assam will face Andhra Pradesh in Guwahati while Tripura will have to travel to Rohtak to face Haryana in the other last four match. It may be mentioned here that, the best performer in each semi-final will be promoted to the elite group next season.

Assam today just needed four wickets to ensure their berth in the semi-final and they did it quite easily completing Vidarbha’s first innings at 240 runs. Arlen picked up six wickets while Abu Nechim Ahmed claimed three. The remaining wicket was picked up by Dhiraj Goswami. Ranjit Paradkar, who remained not out for 58 yesterday, managed to add another 8 runs to his total before he lost his wicket and thereafter Vidarbha’s innings didn’t last too long.

A 152 runs lead in the first innings gave Assam an opportunity to follow on the opponent and Assam skipper Amol Muzumdar didn’t hesitate to take this decision. Vidarbha however struggled in the second innings and managed to score 99 runs for the loss of seven wickets when the match came to an end. This time Sairaj Bahutule was the most successful bowler who claimed three wickets for 24 runs.

Later, talking to the mediapersons, Assam Captain Amol Muzumdar gave credit to his teammate for reaching into the semi-final. According to him, it was only because of team effort that Assam managed to reach into the last four. “We were struggling in the initial stage of the championship but still we managed to overcome all odds only because we played like a team”, said Amol. He also admitted that the team’s batting still needed a few improvements.

Scorecard
Assam first innings: 392-8 (dec).
Vidarbha 1st innings: AV Kolhar c Tarjinder Singh b Konwar 21, AV Ubarhande c Saikia b Ahmed 16, AS Naidu c Aziz b Konwar 7, R Jangid c Sinha b Konwar 13, RS Paradkar c Aziz b Konwar 64, AG Paunikar lbw b Konwar 43, HV Shitoot c Goswami b Konwar 4, AMI Sheikh c Saikia b Ahmed 21, SB Wagh b Ahmed 4, AA Wakhare not out 10, U Yadav c Jadhav b Goswami 10. Extras: (b 9, lb 13, w 1, nb 4) 27. Total: (all out; 91.3 overs) 240.
Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-51, 3-62, 4-71, 5-148, 6-158, 7-196, 8-210, 9-225.   
Bowling: AN Ahmed 25-8-50-3, S Tarafdar 9-5-16-0, DS Goswami 11.3-5-26-1, SV Bahutule 16-1-54-0, A Konwar 30-8-72-6.          
Vidarbha 2nd innings: (following on): AV Kolhar b Goswami 1, AG Paunikar lbw b Ahmed 0, AS Naidu c Saikia b Tarafdar 1, R Jangid c Aziz b Konwar 29, RS Paradkar lbw b Bahutule 22, HV Shitoot not out 20, AV Ubarhande c Muzumdar b Bahutule 1, AMI Sheikh  b Bahutule 2, SB Wagh not out 10. Extras: (b 6, w 5, nb 2) 13. Total: (7 wickets; 35 overs) 99.
Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-6, 3-16, 4-59, 5-67, 6-68, 7-79.
Bowling: AN Ahmed 3-2-6-1, S Tarafdar 6-3-19-1, DS Goswami 5-0-32-1, SV Bahutule 12-4-24-3, A Konwar 7-2-10-1, AS Sinha 1-1-0-0, DS Jadhav 1-0-2-0. THE SENTINEL

Dhiraj, Tarjinder’s tons put Assam in good position

GUWAHATI, Dec 9: Riding on two fine centuries from left handed Dhiraj Jadhav and Tarjinder Singh, Assam consolidated their positions in the four-day Ranji Trophy tie against Vidarbha at the Nehru Stadium here today. The home team finished the second day scoring 392 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their first innings.

Both Dhiraj and Tarjinder were superb in the field today but Tarjinder could claim some extra praise for his innings as he proved that Assam batsmen too could stay in the wicket and play big innings if they are determined to do so. Dhiraj needed 340 minutes to play his 111 runs innings while Tarjinder stayed on the wicket 34 minutes more to score 117 runs.

Assam started the days proceeding, which begun 40 minutes late than the scheduled time due to poor visibility, from their overnight score of 152 runs for the loss of three wickets and the duo nicely negotiated the opponent’s bowlers in the first session to take Assam to a good position. The fourth wicket partnership between Dhiraj and Tarjinder produced 151 runs in 201 minutes. Dhiraj today scored his second successive century in the Ranji Trophy this season and his 111 runs comprised of 13 boundaries. The batsman was on the wicket for 340 minutes and needed 268 balls to score those runs. It may be mentioned here that, Dhiraj scored his first century in this season in the last match against Tripura.

Tarjinder, who is playing his tenth Ranji Trophy match, was also superb throughout the innings and played a well composed knock of 117 runs that included 10 hits to the fence. The right handed batsman was on the wicket for 374 minutes and played 270 balls. Abu Nechim Ahmed (21) and Arlen Konwar (7) were on the wicket when the umpires called off the day’s play. Among the bowlers of Vidarbha, Ravi Jangid and Sreekant Wagh picked up three and two wickets respectively.

Later, talking to the mediapersons Tarjinder admitted that his century, first one in Ranji Trophy, was the best one in his career. “ There was no pressure on me and my coach told me to just hang around on the wicket and I tried to do it”, said Tarjinder. On the other hand, Dhiraj in his brief reaction said that, it was the first occasion in his career when he scored two consecutive centuries in Ranji Trophy match. He also said that, it was not the perfect wicket to bat and after the second day’s play, the home team possibly are little ahead than the opponent.

Score Board: Assam 1st innings: D Jadhav lbw b Yadav 111 P Aziz c Ubarhande b Wagh 1, AS Sinha run out 51, A Muzumdar lbw b Wagh 9, Tarjinder Singh lbw b Jangid 117, KN Saikia c and b Jangid 15, SV Bahutule c Yadav b Jangid 4, D Goswami c Kolhar b Wakhare 23, AN Ahmed not out 21, A Konwar not out 7. Extras: (b 24, lb 5, w 2, nb 2) 33. Total: (8 wickets; 134 overs) 392.

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-84, 3-105, 4-256, 5-287, 6-296, 7-344, 8-380.    

Bowling: S Wagh 26-7-50-2, U Yadav 23-4-81-1, AS Naidu 5-0-23-0, A Wakhare 28-6-77-1, AMI Sheikh 25-5-57-0, R Jangid 23-4-59-3, AV Kolhar 4-1-16-0.

THE SENTINEL

Assam boy blasts on debut, picks up 9 wickets

GUWAHATI, Dec 8:  Left arm spinner Roshan Alam picked up nine wickets as Orissa today bowled out for 126 runs in their first innings against Assam in the V M trophy match held at Goalpara. It was the debut match for Roshan and he made it memorable with his spin bowling. Roshan just spent 32 runs to capture nine wickets. Ranjit  Singh (57) was the top scorer for Orissa. the sentinel

Bengal eves in knock out stage

GUWAHATI, Dec 8: After Assam, Bengal too make it to the knock out round of the women’s T20 cricket tournament defeating Tripura in their last group league match held at the NFRSA ground, Maligaon today. Batting first Bengal scored 115 runs for the loss of three wickets. Ria Choudhury and Jhulan Goswami scored 36 and 27 runs respectively. In reply Tripura could manage to score 40 runs for the lost of eight wickets. Jhulan Goswami claimed three wickets for six runs. In the other match of the day, Assam lost to Orissa by 57 runs. In reply to Orissa’s total of 105-5 runs Assam just managed to score 48 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Kadambini Mahakud scored 47 runs. the sentinel

Assam manage 152 as bad light affects play

GUWAHATI, Dec 8: Assam made a cautious start against Vidarbha in their last plate group Ranji trophy tie which got under way at the Nehru Stadium today. The home team, who were invited to bat first in the match, score 152 runs for the loss of three wickets when the game was stopped much earlier than its scheduled time due to poor visibility.

The first day’s play was badly suffered due to poor light as the match had to start two hours late. Only 50 overs were bowled throughout the day.

The match is crucial for both Assam and Vidarbha as a first innings lead would be enough for either team to qualify for he next round. Assam made one change in the team bringing in vice captain Dhiraj Goswami, who didn’t play the last match due to injury, in place of Rajdeep Das.

Assam, after being put in to bat lost in-form opener Parvez Aziz for 1 in the fifth over. But his partner Dheeraj Jadhav, who scored a brilliant hundred in the last match, continued his good run and remained not out at 54. Amit Sinha, who was playing his second Ranji match, scored a quick half century before he was run out. The batsman hit nine boundaries on his 52-run innings and he was on the wicket for 66 minutes.

Assam looked in trouble when captain Amol Mazumdar again failed to play a big innings and became a victim of Shrikant Wagh. The Mumbaikar could manage just 9 before leaving the pitch. But later, Tarjinder Singh offered good support to Dhiraj Jadhav and did not let any damage occur.

Scorecard

Assam 1st innings: D Jadhav not out 54 P Aziz  c Ubarhande b Wagh 1 AS Sinha run out  51 A Muzumdar lbw b Wagh 9 Tarjinder Singh not out 25 Extras (b 11, lb 1) 12  Total (3 wickets; 50 overs) 152.

Fall of wickets: 1-1 , 2-84 , 3-105

Bowling: SB Wagh 13-5-21-2  U Yadav  12-2-43-0  AS Naidu 5-0-23-0 AA Wakhare 10-4-28-0 A Sheikh 10-1-25-0. THE SENTINEL

Assam play Vidarbha in crucial Ranji tie from today

GUWAHATI, Dec 7: Assam will take on Vidarbha in a crucial Ranji tie from Tuesday at the Nehru Stadium in Guwahati. The match is equally important for the both teams as they have 10 points each till now.

Assam vice-captain Dhiraj Goswami, who was out due to injury will likely make a comeback in the playing eleven. Assam coach Subhrajit Saikia said, the host will go for the five points from the match to book a place in the knock-out stage. He also added, if won the toss, Assam will try to post a big score on the board and put pressure on the opposition thereafter.

The home team is in a perfect state-of-mind as they defeated Tripura by an innings and 55 runs at the same ground in the last match and gained full points including a bonus. THE SENTINEL

Test Moment

It has taken 77 years for India to be declared as the top test-playing nation. Therefore, there is every reason to celebrate Sunday’s triumph. And what a victory that was, defeating Sri Lanka by an innings and 24 runs! Virender Sehwag deserves special kudos for the double century (293) that was instrumental in Team India’s dramatic win. Now what? To quote MS Dhoni, the proud captain, ‘‘It’s a result of good preparation and execution over the last 18-20 months... It’s a great moment for us, but the real task starts from here.’’ What is the real task then? To sustain in the same form and be the best team in one-dayers as well, for which the team must learn from its past mistakes. So let the present euphoria be a moment for introspection too, a great occasion for the team to explore itself. The BCCI also has a special responsibility. It would now do well to get more professional and identify the right talents. There are many unexplored talents in the country who can wonderfully add to Team India’s strength and reputation. It is the BCCI’s duty to identify and groom them. As for Dhoni and his men, what should now engage them seriously is the next World Cup. What is their level of confidence? Can they assure the country that by the time the next World Cup starts they will have so built up capabilities in bowling, batting and fielding as to be able to clinch the trophy? And yes, senior players should be seen playing not just for records. It is the team and the country that must remain the top priority all the time. THE SENTINEL

Assam in a strong position

GUWAHATI, Dec 6: Assam are in good position against Railway in the U-19 cricket tournament being played at Nagaon today. Railway who required 269 runs in their second innings to win the game are in deep trouble losing six wickets for 42 runs at the stumps on the third day. Krishna Das picked up four wickets for just nine runs. Earlier, Assam finished their second innings at 245 runs. Kankan Das played a brilliant knock of 56 runs while Shiv Sankar Roy contributed 39 runs on the board. THE SENTINEL

Captain Devika shines as Assam stun Bengal

GUWAHATI, Dec 6: Riding on a fine knock of 44 by skipper Devika Sathe, Assam pulled out a sensational 5-wicket win against Bengal in the East Zone Women’s T20 Cricket Tournament held at the NFRSA stadium, Maligaon today. The win also ensured Assam’s berth in the knock out stage of the championship which would be held in Hyderabad from December 15.

It was a tough match for Assam as Bengal fancied with player like Indian captain Jhulan Goswami, was favourite in this championship. However, Devika’s well composed 44 runs made the difference between the two sides. Chasing 80 runs to win in 20 overs Assam made a cautious start before Devika stole the limelight with her 47 ball-44 run innings in which she hit five boundaries. Assam reached the target in 18.2 overs losing five wickets. Suchitra Singh remained not out for 13 runs.

Earlier, Bengal Managed to score 79 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs. Madhumanti Bhattacharjee (20) was the top scorer. Monika Das picked up three wickets for 17 runs.

In the other match of the day, Jharkhand defeated Orissa by four wickets. Orissa, batting first in the match, scored 95 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Opener Sucheta Mohanty scored 25 runs and her opening partner Kadambani Mahakhud added 20 runs on the board.  Jharkhand reached the target in 19.1 overs losing six wickets. Nishat Fatma (26) and Soma Sisoodia (24) were the major contributors for Jharkhand. THE SENTINEL

Bengal, Jharkhand win in Women’s T20

GUWAHATI, Dec 4: Bengal and Jharkhand won their respective matches in the East Zone T20 Women’s Cricket Tournament held at the NFRSA ground, Maligaon today. In the first game, Bengal defeated Orissa by seven wickets while in the other game, Jharkhand beat Tripura by identical margin.

In the first match of the day, Tripura who won the toss and elected to bat first, managed to score 55 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Archana Das bagged two wickets for 12 runs. In reply, Bengal reached the target losing just three wickets. Madhumonti Bhattacharjee remained not out for 30 runs.

In the other  match, it was Tripura who won the toss and elected to bat first. The side scored 61 runs in their stipulated 20 overs losing eight wickets. Kavita Roy took four wickets for eight runs. Jharkhand didn’t face too much problem to reach the target and they won the game by losing just three wickets. Reena Singh remained not out for 33 runs. THE SENTINEL

Abu Nechim Ahemd dedicates his ten-wicket haul to parents

GUWAHATI, Dec 3: It was a come back season for pace bowler Abu Nechim Ahemd who could not take part in the domestic cricket for the last two years due to his involvement  with ICL. However, Abu proved that he is still the same lethal as he was a couple of years back. In a brief interaction with the media, just after the Ranji trophy match against Tripura, Abu talked on his success and a few other things. Here are the excerpts.

Your feeling on first ten-wicket haul?

Very nice. Last two years I didn’t get the chance to play in the domestic cricket and now I have been working very hard to establish myself. It’s nice to see that I have able to achieve something through my own performance.

You were away from domestic cricket for a long period. Was it difficult for you to adjust yourself in longer version of game this season?

Absolutely not. My ultimate goal is to play for the country in senior level and that always inspires me to bring out the best.

What are the things that you developed in your bowling during the last couple of years?

I have known it very well that if some one wants to take wickets then he has to maintain a good line and length. I seriously worked on it for the last couple of years. I also worked a lot to keep myself fit.

Would you like to dedicate this performance to any one?

Yes and it is to my parents. They did a lot of hard work for me and what ever I am now is only because of them. THE SENTINEL

Abu Nechim rocks as Assam head the table

GUWAHATI, Dec 3: A superb bowling display by pacer Abu Nechim helped Assam to down Tripura by an innings and 55 runs in a plate group Ranji Trophy match here today.

Tripura batsmen could not survive as a devastating Abu run through their batting line-up to leave the visitors without any option. Tripura, who needed 192 runs today to put Assam bat again after being  followed on, were dismissed for 172 runs in the second innings. Abu Nechim picked up 5 wickets giving away 43 runs taking his tally to 10 wickets in the match. The win, that also gave a bonus point, catapulted Assam from sixth to the top of the Plate League with ten points.

The highlight of the match was two splendid efforts by two Assam cricketers, Dhiraj Jadhav and Abu Nechim Ahmed. Dhiraj gave his bowlers a good total to defend with a brilliant century in the first innings and later Abu demolished Tripura’s innings. This was Abu Nechim’s best performance (10 for 83) till now.

Tripura began the third day’s play at 35 for 3, trailing by 192 runs. Kaushik Aphale and Nishit Shetty steered them to 90 but once Sairaj broke the partnership picking up Aphale the battle was over for Tripura. Then came Abu to give nightmarish experience to the Tripura batsmen as he dismantled the lower-order, taking four of the last five wickets.

Later, talking to the media persons after the match, Assam captain Amol Muzumdar praised Abu, saying that he is among those bowlers who can alone turn the match in favour of the team. However, the skipper felt that Abu’s first five-wicket haul in the match was the turning point as it energizes entire team to fight and win the game.

Assam in its last league match will face Vidarbha and the match will get under way in Guwahati from December 8.

Scorecard:

Assam 1st innings: 331 Tripura 1st innings: 104

Tripura 2nd innings: SD Chowdhury  b Ahmed  0 Soumya Banik  lbw b Tarafdar 1 R Banik b Tarafdar  13 NS Shetty c Saikia b Konwar 43 KD Aphale  c Tarjinder Singh b Bahutule 38 WA Mota  lbw b Ahmed  17 TK Chanda  c Jadhav b Ahmed  10  R Dutta  c & b Bahutule  5 DD Chowdhury lbw b Ahmed  6  Rana Dutta  c Jadhav b Ahmed  15 J Debnath  not out  10

Extras (b 5, lb 9) 14 Total (all out; 74.2 overs; 298 mins) 172

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-16 , 3-26 , 4-90 , 5-102 , 6-123, 7-136, 8-142,  , 9-143     

Bowling: AN Ahmed 23.2-12-43-5 A Konwar 16-1-35-1 S Tarafdar 10-3-22- 2 SV Bahutule 23- 7-43- 2 A Sinha 2-0-15-0. THE SENTINEL

Abu and Sujay put Assam in driver seat against Tripura

GUWAHATI, Dec 2: A career best spell from pace bowler Abu Nechim Ahmed and good back up by other pacer Sujay Tarafdar put Assam in sight of victory against Tripura in the Plate group Ranji Trophy match held at the Nehru Stadium here today. Tripura, who were forced to follow on today after completing their first innings on a paltry 104 runs, were also struggling in their second innings losing three wickets for just 35 runs at stumps. Earlier, Assam finished their first innings at 331 runs.

This was the fourth match for Assam in this season and it is for the first time the side looked like that they were playing as an unit. Dhiraj Jadhav’s fine century helped Assam to pile up a respectable total in the first innings and now bowlers too fulfilled their expectations. Both the new ball bowlers Abu Nechim Ahmed and Sujay Tarafdar were bang on their target throughout the day and Abu brought out a few unplayable deliveries which helped him to pick up five wickets in the first innings giving away just 40 runs.

Tripura was in trouble from the very beginning of their first innings as Abu removed the opener SD Choudhury when the score board read just one. Tripura were able to add one more run when Sujay got the second opener and the visitor never came out from this sudden shock. Except Nishit Shetty (33), whom Abu picked up with an excellent delivery, no other Tripura’s batsmen today managed to add notable runs on the board.

In the second innings too, Abu (1-8) and Sujay (2-9) maintained their fiery spell and shared three wickets between themselves which Tripura lost at the fag end of the day. Nishit Shetty (10), Tripura’s last hope, was still in the wicket and if Assam had managed to get rid of him early on the third day then the home team perhaps would not have to wait too long to earn the first victory of this season. Tripura still needed 192 runs to put bat Assam again.

Earlier, a responsible partnership between Sairaj Bahutule (31 NO) and Arlen Konwar (22) helped Assam to take their first innings total to 331. The pair in the last wicket partnership added 48 valuable runs. Timir Chanda added a wicket to the four he picked overnight to finish 5 for 65.

Score Board: Assam 1st innings: D Jadhav c Aphale b Mota 114, P Aziz c Dutta b Chanda 25, AS Sinha c and b Debnath 42, A Muzumdar c Shetty b Debnath 40, Tarjinder Singh lbw b Chanda 13, S Tarafdar lbw b Chanda 0, Rajdeep Das c Banik b Chanda 0, SV Bahutule  not out 31, KN Saikia c Shetty b Chanda 13, AN Ahmed c Dutta b Mota 9, A Konwar lbw b S Chowdhury 22. Extras: (b 6, lb 6, w 5, nb 5) 22. Total: (all out; 109.4 overs; 458 mins) 331.

Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-103, 3-199, 4-244, 5-245, 6-252, 7-252, 8-272, 9-283.     

Bowling: WA Mota 25-4-82-2, Rana Dutta 17-5-42-0, TK Chanda 23-6-65-5, J Debnath 27-5-69-2, SD Chowdhury 13.4 -2-45-1, NS Shetty 3-1-11-0, R Banik 1-0-5-0.

Tripura 1st innings: Soumya Banik c Saikia b Tarafdar 0, SD Chowdhury b Ahmed 1, R Banik run out 8, NS Shetty c Tarjinder Singh b Ahmed 33, KD Aphale 17, WA Mota b Ahmed 0, TK Chanda lbw b Tarafdar 1, R Dutta not out 16, DD Chowdhury lbw b Ahmed     1, Rana Dutta lbw b Bahutule 3, J Debnath b Bahutule 5. Extras: (b 13, lb 5, nb 1) 19. Total: (all out; 42.1 overs; 229 mins) 104.

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-9, 4-51, 5-69, 6-70, 7-78, 8-81, 9-88.

Bowling: AN Ahmed 17-6-40-5, S Tarafdar 14-4-23-2, SV Bahutule 8.1-3-16-2, A Konwar 3-0-7-0.

Tripura 2nd innings: (following on): SD Chowdhury b Ahmed 0, Soumya Banik lbw b Tarafdar 1, R Banik b Tarafdar 13, NS Shetty not out 10, KD Aphale not out 5. Extras: (b 1, lb 5) 6. Total: (3 wickets; 19 overs) 35. (1.84 runs per over).

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-16, 3-26.

Bowling: A Ahmed 6-4-8-1, A Konwar 6-0-12-0, S Tarafdar 5-2-9-2, SV Bahutule 2-2-0-0. THE SENTINEL

Assam let the opportunity go

GUWAHATI, Dec 1: Left handed opener Dhiraj Jadhav played a splendid innings to give Assam a dream start in the fourth round plate group Ranji tie against Tripura at the Nehru Stadium today but the home team failed to capitalise on that and finished the day at 256 losing seven wickets.

The day is undoubtedly for Assam opener Dhiraj Jadhav who today scored his 12th Ranji Trophy century at the Nehru Stadium. The left hander is among a few batsmen of Assam who is consistently performing well this season today’s knock is his first three figure mark for his new state.

Assam captain Amol Muzumdar’s decision to bat against Tripura after winning the toss was vindicated by Jadhav’s innings. His 114 runs came in 358 minutes and off 279 deliveries. He hit 13 boundaries during his stay at the crease.

However, the middle order was lacking fire except debutant Amit Sinha and and skipper Muzumdar. Amit, batting at no 3, made 42 with five boundaries.  Muzumdar, who was out of touch this season, played nicely and looked like that he got back his confidence. But a poor shot curtailed his innings when the batsman was at 40. Tarjindar, night watchman Sujay Tarafdar and Rajdeep Das failed to survive and the fall of Dhiraj’s wicket at the fag end of the day made worst as Assam slipped to 256 for 7 from 244 for 3. The decision to send Tarafdar as night watchman might be the centre of argument this evening in ACA office as his departure sparked the collapse of Assam innings.

Timir Chanda, the most successful bowler of Tripura on the first day, picked up four wickets which allowed the visitors to make a come back into the game.

Later talking to The Sentinel, Dhiraj admitted that it was one of his best innings in the Ranji Trophy. “The track is not a perfect one to bat and bowlers are getting more assistance then the batsmen. I had to stay in the wicket for nearly 80 overs to score the century which itself proved that how much patience was required to bat there. It is for the first time I am playing for Assam and it’s a nice feeling for me that I have scored a ton for my new state.”

Though cricket lovers felt that Assam has lost the opportunity to grab five points, which they desperately needed to stay alive in the competition, from this game but Dhiraj still looked optimistic. “If we could manage to take our first innings total near to 350 then we may again return into the driver’s seat because it is really a difficult wicket to bat.”

Score Board: Assam 1st innings: DS Jadhav  c Aphale b Mota 114 P Aziz c †Dutta b Chanda  25 A Sinha  c & b Debnath  42 A A Muzumdar c Shetty b Debnath  40 Tarjinder Singh  lbw b Chanda  13 S Tarafdar lbw b Chanda 0 Rajdeep Das c Banik b Chanda 0 SV Bahutule not out  4 K Saikia  not out  0 Extras (b 4, lb 4, w 5, nb 5) 18 Total (7 wickets; 90 overs) 256

Fall of wickets: 1-39,  2-103 , 3-199 , 4-244 , 5-245 , 6-252 , 7-252   

Bowling: Mota 19-4-59-1 Rana Dutta 14-5-26-0 TK Chanda 17-5-50-4 Debnath 25-5-61-2 Chowdhury 12-1-41-0 N Shetty 3-1-11-0.   THE SENTINEL

No complaint on neglecting eve cricket team: Jhulan

GUWAHATI, Nov 29: Indian Women’s Cricket team Captain Jhulan Goswami today said she has no regret for the Eve Cricket team of the country for not getting any hype from the media and others. For her playing for the country is great, not what comes in the form of reputation.

Jhulan is in the city with Bengal Cricket team to take part in the East Zone T20 Cricket Tournament. Talking to the mediapersons today, the second ranked bowler in ICC’s ranking list said, “I am very happy as a cricketer and whatever I have achieved till date had come through this game. It is really a very big matter for me to play for the country and I am satisfied”.

Meanwhile, the ICC’s Women Cricketer of the Year Award winner today said that, she preferred longer version of the game then shorter version like T20. “In the longer version of the game you can get a chance to come back into the game after poor start but that is not possible in T20. However, from spectators point of view it is definitely very interesting as everything happened very fast”. The Captain also felt that this T20 Women’s Cricket Tournament will be crucial for the women’s cricketers of the country as Indian team for the forthcoming Women’s World Cup T20, scheduled to be held in West Indies next year, would be selected on the basis of the performance in this tournament.

Meanwhile, the Captain of Assam Women Cricket team Devika Shattey, today praised Assam Cricket Association for proving good support to the women’s team. “Actually I came to Guwahati to train the women’s cricketers of the State and later decided to turn for the State. What I have noticed during my six months stint with the team is that the State Cricket Association is providing good support to the team and the women’s cricketers of the State too are very serious to their job. Junior cricketers already started to show their skill and I think you will soon notice similar things from the senior team also”. THE SENTINEL

Assam to face Tripura in T20 opener

GUWAHATI, Nov 29: Assam will take on Tripura in the first match of the East Zone T20 Women’s Cricket Tournament which will get under way at the NFRSA Stadium, Maligaon on Monday. Altogether five teams from this zone are taking part in the tournament.

Releasing the draw of the tournament, the secretary of the Assam Cricket Association Bikash Baruah said that the tournament would be continued till December 8 and two teams from this zone will qualify for the knockout round.

Apart from Assam and Tripura, the other teams which will take part in the championship are Jharkhand, Orissa and Bengal. Two matches would be held on a single day. The first game will start from 9 am and the second one from 1pm. As per the schedule, Bengal will face Jharkhand in the second match on Monday.

The schedule of the tournament: Nov 30- Assam vs Tripura and Bengal vs Jharkhand. December 2- Orissa vs Tripura and Assam vs Jharkhand. December 4- Bengal vs Orissa and Tripura vs Jharkhand. December 6- Jharkhand vs Orissa and Assam vs Bengal. December 8- Assam vs Orissa and Bengal vs Tripura. THE SENTINEL

Tripura struggling in 2nd innings

GUWAHATI, Nov 28: Assam set Tripura a target of 245 runs to win the U-19 Cricket match held in Goalpara today. Host team today finished their second innings at 245 runs. Tripura took one run lead in the first innings, so the side needed exactly 245 to win the match. However, at the end of the second day’s play, the visitors were struggling as they lost two wickets for 10 runs. Both the wickets were taken by Arup Das. Earlier, riding on a fine innings from Kankan Das (69), Assam finished their second innings for 245 runs. Krishna Das also added 30 runs on the board. THE SENTINEL

Assam-Bengal match ends in a draw

GUWAHATI, Nov 28: Assam and Bengal shared one point each in the drawn match of the VM Trophy Cricket Tournament which concluded at the Nehru Stadium here today. In reply to Assam’s first innings total of 302 runs, Bengal today bowled out for their first innings on the same total. Assam were 151 runs for the loss of five wickets when the match came to an end today.

Brief score: Assam 1st innings: 302. Bengal 1st innings: 302; Himadri Chakraborty 42, Vivek Singh 62, Arjun Barman 56, S Sankar Baruah 3-63 and Manpreet Singh 2-24. Assam 2nd innings: 151-5; Manpreet Singh 48 and R Momin Sarmah 47. THE SENTINEL

Bengal make good start after Wasiqur’s century

GUWAHATI, Nov 27: Bengal are giving good reply against Assam in the VM Trophy Cricket Tournament held at the Nehru Stadium here today. In reply to Assam’s first innings total of 302 runs, Bengal finished the second day scoring 190 runs for the loss of three wickets in their first innings. Vivek Singh is on the wicket on his individual score of 52 runs. However, the highlight of the day’s match was a fine century from Assam batsman Wasiqur Rahman who remained not out for his individual score of 112 runs. Among Bengal bowlers Ravi Kanta Singh picked up three wickets for 46 runs. THE SENTINEL