Three Assam cricketers in Duleep Trophy team

GUWAHATI, Jan 6: Three cricketers from Assam- Dhiraj Jadhav, Abu Nechim Ahmed and Dhiraj Goswami have been included in the East Zone squad for the forthcoming Duleep Trophy Championship. East Zone will play its first match against Central Zone from January 19. 

 
The selectors of the East Zone Committee, headed by Raja Venkat, today selected the 14-member squad in a meeting held in Guwahati. Saurav Tiwari, who represented Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy, will lead the team while left handed opener of Assam Dhiraj Jadhav appointed as his deputy. The other members of the team are Arindam Das, Manoj Tiwari, Ishank Jaggi, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Wridhiman Saha, Dhiraj Sinha, Abu Nechim Ahmed, Ashoke Dinda, Ranadev Bose, Niranjan Behra, Rajiv Dutta, Dhiraj Goswami, Saurashish Lahiri and Haladhar Das. Subrata Das from Jharkhand and Maloy Chakraborty from Tripura will be the coach and manager of the team respectively.

East Zone will start its campaign in Duleep Trophy against Central Zone and the match will get under way at Mohali from January 19. Before that the team would go for a conditioning camp and it would be held in Kolkata from the second week of this month. THE SENTINEL

Cricket Shame

The Ferozeshah Kotla fiasco of Sunday, when the fifth one-day international match between India and Sri Lanka had to be called off after 23.3 overs due to dangerously poor pitch conditions and when the entire nation (where cricket is a kind of religion) was shamed before the cricketing world, has happened at a time when New Delhi is struggling to put in place a world-class sports infrastructure for the Commonwealth Games and prove to the world its sports-hosting capabilities. This is a great dampener. On Sunday, the match was cancelled in the middle of Sri Lanka’s innings at 11.20 am, with the score at 83/5, after the captains of both sides, the match referee and officials from both boards concluded that pitch conditions were too dangerous for the batsmen to let the match continue — the ball was bouncing quite abnormally and batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan had already been hit on the arm. In other words, the pitch was not at all meant for an international match. But what is surprising — and downright condemnable — is that such a pitch should have happened after an investment of a whopping Rs 100 crore since 2004 to relay the pitch. So this is the real state of cricket affairs in the capital of an eminently cricket-obsessed country. The Delhi and District Cricket Association that invested Rs 100 crore on the Ferozeshah Kotla ground cannot, however, be solely blamed. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the world’s richest cricket board, must also be held accountable. Is it not a BCCI mandate to ensure that the country is not humiliated due to substandard pitch conditions? THE SENTINEL

Uttar Pradesh in semis, beat Assam in Ranji Quarter Final match

GUWAHATI, Dec 27: A captain knock from Amol Muzumdar went in vain as Uttar Pradesh moved into the semifinal of the Ranji Trophy by virtue of their first innings lead against Assam. The match between the two sides ended as a draw at the NFRSA Stadium, Maligaon today. Chasing 337 runs to win, Assam managed to score 259 runs for the loss of 8 wickets when the match came to end.

Resuming on 256 with one wicket in hand, the visitors managed just 16 runs as Dhiraj Goswami picked up Shalabh Srivastava to end with a five for 57. Assam needed to score 337 runs to win the game but the target was always becoming challenging as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. However, Muzumdar played a solid unbeaten knock of 119 runs and he was on the wicket for 296 minutes to score those runs. His 226 balls innings comprised of 12 hits to the fence. He also made two good partnership with Kunal Saikia and Sairaj Bahutule. The fifth-wicket stand of 83 with wicketkeeper Kunal Saikia proved to be the highest of the innings while later Muzumdar combined with former Mumbai teammate Sairaj Bahutule added another 72 runs for the sixth wicket.

Scorecard

Uttar Pradesh 1st innings: 213.

Assam 1st innings: 149.

Uttar Pradesh 2nd innings: 272.

Assam 2nd innings: AS Sinha lbw b Gupta 29, P Aziz b Singh 8, A Muzumdar not out 119, DS Goswami c SJ Srivastava b Chawla 4, Tarjinder Singh b S Srivastava 3, KN Saikia c TM Srivastava b Gupta 39, SV Bahutule run out 29, AN Ahmed c Parvinder Singh b Chawla 2, A Konwar st Amir Khan b Gupta 10.

Extras: (lb 9, w 5, nb 2) 16.

Total: (8 wickets; 83.2 overs; 319 mins) 259.

Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-63, 3-74, 4-84, 5-167, 6-239, 7-242, 8-259.

Bowling: RP Singh 16-4-57-1, SJ Srivastava 11-2-36-1, P Gupta 33.2-6-89-3, PP Chawla 23-3-68-2. THE SENTINEL

Uttar Pradesh took full command against Assam

GUWAHATI, Dec 26: Uttar Pradesh took full command against Assam in the quarterfinal of the Ranji Trophy held at NFRSA Stadium, Maligaon today. The visitors finished the third day of the game scoring 256 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their second innings. The 64 runs first innings lead took Uttar Pradesh’s total lead to 320 and as only one day is left so it looked impossible for Assam to get a semifinal berth unless some miracle happens in their batting in the second innings.

Just three batsmen of Uttar Pradesh today played good knocks for the team and it helped the side to pile up good total in the board. Opener Tanmay Srivastava scored 49 runs with the help of five boundaries and he altogether played 146 balls. Rohit Prakash contributed 42 runs on the board and he needed 97 balls to score those runs. Piyush Chawla was the only half century maker of the side in the second innings till the end of the third day’s play. The batsman played a well composed knock of 53 runs that came in 86 balls and there were six hits into the fence.

Ranjit Mali and Dhiraj Goswami was the most successful bowler for Assam in the second innings and both of them collected four wickets each.

Scorecard: UP 1st inn: 213

Assam 1st innings: 149.

Uttar Pradesh 2nd innings: TM Srivastava b Mali 49, S Shukla c Goswami b Mali 3, M Kaif c Aziz b Ahmed 3, Parvinder Singh c Sinha b Goswami 25, Amir Khan c Saikia b Mali 7, B Kumar b Goswami 11, RP Srivastava c Saikia b Goswami 42, P Chawla c Tarjinder Singh b Mali 53, RP Singh c Tarjinder Singh b Goswami 12, P Gupta not out 17, SJ Srivastava not out 6. Extras: (b 15, lb 10, w 2, nb 1) 28. Total: (9 wickets; 95 overs) 256.

Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-41, 3-89, 4-104, 5-113, 6-137, 7-203, 8-228, 9-242.

Bowling: A Ahmed 21-5-51-1, R Mali 27-6-76-4, A Konwar 11-4-10-0, SV Bahutule 17-7-31-0, DS Goswami 16-0-56-4, P Aziz 2-0-7-0. THE SENTINEL

Assam all-out in 149 in first innings

UP in strong position

Assam all-out in 149 in first innings

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, Dec 25: Assam are struggling against Uttar Pradesh in the quarter-final tie of the Ranji Trophy Championship as the side were bowled out for 149 runs in their first innings at NFRSA Stadium here today. In reply, Uttar Pradesh were 25 for no loss at stumps.

The left handed opener Dheeraj Jadhav, who scored three centuries in this season, failed to bat in the first innings after he was badly hurt in ankle during fielding yesterday. It made the all difference as host are struggling in their batting department throughout the season. Except Captain Amal Muzumdar no other batsman of Assam today managed to stay long on the wicket.

Muzumdar (53), who was also struggling in the season with bat, finally got back his touch and was playing very well until a run out shortened his innings. He fought a lone battle for the hosts but that was clearly not enough to pull his side out of the trouble. Piyush Chawla, RP Singh and Shalabh Srivastava bagged two wickets for the visitors.

Scorecard

UP 1st innings: 213.

Assam 1st innings: AS Sinha b Gupta 8, P Aziz c Chawla b Singh 6, A Muzumdar run out (Kumar) 53, Tarjinder Singh b SJ Srivastava 11, KN Saikia lbw b Chawla 3, SV Bahutule lbw b Gupta 8, DS Goswami b SJ Srivastava 0, AN Ahmed not out 24, A Konwar st Amir Khan b Chawla 12, RL Mali b Singh 4, DS Jadhav (absent hurt). Extras: (b 4, lb 8, w 7, nb 1) 20. Total: (all out; 54.4 overs; 230 mins) 149.

Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-24, 3-55, 4-68, 5-88, 6-91, 7-125, 8-144, 9-149.

Bowling: RP Singh 13.4-3-53-2, SJ Srivastava 17-4-42-2, PP Chawla 13-3-30-2, P Gupta 8-4-9-2, B Kumar 3-1-3-0.

Uttar Pradesh 2nd innings: TM Srivastava not out 14, SS Shukla not out 2. Extras: (b 6, lb 3) 9. Total: (0 wicket, 9 overs) 25.

Bowling: AN Ahmed 3-1-8-0, RL Mali 2-1-3-0, A Konwar 2-1-2-0, SV Bahutule 2-0-3-0. THE SENTINEL

Assam restrict UP to 213 in their first innings

GUWAHATI, Dec 24: The spinner duo of Assam Arlen Konwar and Sairaj Bahutule shared eight wickets among themselves as Assam bowled out Uttar Pradesh for 213 in their first innings on the first day of the Ranji Trophy quarter-final held at NFRSA Stadium here today. In reply, Assam finished the day’s scoring 17 runs for the loss of one wicket.

Uttar Pradesh won the toss today and decided to bat first in a wicket which has every possibility to provide big turns to the spinners. However, Konwar and Bahutule turned the ball from the very first day of the match.

Arlen, who emerged as the wrecker-in-chief picked up five-wicket haul for the third time in this season while Bahutule scalped three. Abu Nechim Ahmed and Ranjit Mali bagged the other two wickets.

India discard Mohammad Kaif top scored for Uttar Pradesh with a patient 150-ball 56 runs that included seven fours. The second highest scorer of the team is opener Shivakant Shukla (47). However, there was a bad news for Assam camp as prolific run getter in this season Dhiraj Jadhav had badly injured his ankle during the fielding and it is very doubtful whether he would be able to bat in this match. Assam batted for only eight overs and scored 17 runs for the loss of opener Amit  Sinha (8) who opened the innings in place of Dhiraj. Captain Amal Muzumdar was on the wicket when the stumps were drawn.

Scorecard

Uttar Pradesh 1st innings: TM Srivastava c Tarjinder Singh b Konwar 26 S Shukla c Mali b Konwar 47 M Kaif c Goswami b Bahutule 56  R Srivastava c Sinha b Ahmed 8  P Singh c Aziz b Konwar 22 B Kumar b Mali 9 P Chawla  c Muzumdar b Konwar  0 Amir Khan not out 23 P Gupta  b Bahutule  1 RP Singh  c Mali b Konwar  9 S Srivastava  b Bahutule  3 Extras (lb 8, nb 1) 9 Total (all out; 81.2 overs) 213 

Fall of wickets: 1-67,  2-96, 3-111, 4-152, 5-165, 6-170, 7-188, 8-191, 9-208

Bowling: AN Ahmed 14-8-29-1  R Mali 10-5-34-1 DS Goswami 7-1-22-0 A Konwar 27-5-79-5 S Bahutule 23.2-3-41-3       

Assam 1st innings:  AS Sinha  b Gupta  8  P Aziz  not out  4  A Muzumdar not out  0  Extras (b 1, lb 2, w 1, nb 1) 5  Total (1 wicket; 8 overs) 17

Fall of wickets: 1-17  

Bowling: RP Singh 3-2-6-0 SJ Srivastava 3-1-5-0 PP Chawla 1-0-2-0 P Gupta 1-0-1-1 THE SENTINEL

Assam to face UP in Ranji quarter-final from today

GUWAHATI, Dec 23: Assam in its maiden appearance in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final will face Uttar Pradesh from tomorrow. The game would be held at NFRSA Stadium, Maligaon. After almost a wait of five years, Assam in this season managed to entire into the elite group of the Ranji Trophy and it also opened the door for them to play the quarter-final. Host side already made one change in their team as Rishav Das is included in the team in the place of wicket keeper batsman Rajdeep Das.

Talking to the mediapersons just after the final preparation at the Maligaon stadium today,  Captain of the home team Amol Muzumdar said that his boys are ready to take the fancied opponent which included players like Mohammedan Mohammed, Piyush Chawla and Rudra Pratap Singh. Muzumdar said, “It is the quarter-final of the Ranji Trophy and we knew it very well that our opponent is much stronger then the earlier opponents in this season. But still I hope my boys would be able to give good fight here also as I feel they are capable to do so.”

On the other hand, coach Subhrajit Saikia felt that their elite group preparation would start from tomorrow. “We promoted to the top tier this season but I felt that our preparation will start from this match as in the next year we have to face those teams who would be of similar standards,” said Saikia. He also added that there may be one extra batsman in the team dropping one pace bowler as the game would be held in Maliagon in mind the unpredictable behaviour of the wicket.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh who played the Ranji Trophy final last season, would be led by Team India discard Mohammed Kaif. The entire team did their final work out at the Maligaon stadium and later talking to the mediapersons Kaif today said that his team is not taking Assam lightly. “The team this season promoted to elite group and it is not possible unless the team performed consistently in the tournament.” THE SENTINEL

Bond retires from tests

AUCKLAND, Dec 23: New Zealand’s injury-ravaged fast bowler Shane Bond will retire from test cricket to concentrate on the shorter forms of the game, in a bid to prolong his international career.

Bond, who in November played his first test in two years after a stint with the rebel Indian Cricket League, said the decision was not an easy one, but he needed to bow out of the longer form of the game after a string of injuries. “It’s been a tough call because test cricket remains the ultimate form of the game, but I’m comfortable I’ve made the right choice,” Bond said in a statement.

Bond, 34, has been viewed as one of New Zealand’s best fast bowlers, however his career has been decimated by injury. He has only played 18 tests since his debut in 2002, taking 87 wickets at an average of 22, with a best return of 6 for 51. In his test comeback against Pakistan in November Bond snared eights wickets to help New Zealand win the match but he also picked up an abdominal injury, and has been ruled out of cricket until late February.

Bond said he is targeting the world Twenty20 and one-day competitions coming up in the next two years. (Agencies)

UP arrived for Ranji quarter-final

GUWAHATI, Dec 21: Uttar Pradesh team arrived in the city today to play the Ranji Trophy quarter-final match against Assam. The match will be held at the NFRSA Stadium from December 24. It may be mentioned here that Assam this year promoted into the elite group of the Ranji Trophy and it also opened the door for them to make maiden appearance in the quarter-final of the prestigious cricket championship of the country. THE SENTINEL

Knock-out Cricket from Dec 28

DIBRUGARH, Dec 20: Rajanu Bora Inter Club League-cum-Knock Out Cricket competition will get under way in Dibrugarh from December 28. The last date of the entry is fixed on December 22. the sentinel

Fromer cricketers hail Ranji success

GUWAHATI, Dec 18: Former cricketers and cricket administrators today hailed the Assam team for their success in the Ranji Trophy Championship. The excerpts of some of them are given hereunder.

Bikash Barua (secretary, ACA): This time our preparation was good and it is the result of the preparation. We played like an unit and important factor is that our boys also performed this season. Now the job would be more difficult and I think we should concentrate more on preparation before we take the top teams of the country in the elite group next season.

Rajesh Bora (member of junior selection committee of BCCI): We were under process for the last three years and it was the result of it. In the earlier season, our performance was not equal in every matches but this time there was consistency and the important thing is that our boys also started to perform. However, to play in the elite group we need some more planning.

Subhrajit Saikia and Subhadeep Ghose (two coaches): We have crossed the first goal and it is possible only because of a good team effort. Tough challenges are ahead and we have to now work on it.

Sairaj Bahutule: It is good to be in elite group. We started very badly but later overcame the odds with fantastic team effort and Amol also led the side well. THE SENTINEL

Team effort takes us to the elite: Muzumdar

GUWAHATI, Dec 18: His bat is yet to fire in this season. But still Assam Captain Amal Muzumdar perhaps will be one of the most satisfying person in Indian cricket today as he successfully led Assam into the elite group of Ranji Trophy. Talking to media just after the end of the match against Andhra, Muzumdar revealed the cause of this success. Here is the excerpt:

How would you rate this achievement?

I feel great. Earlier, I thought that there was not too much charm left for me in the Ranji Trophy as I have played it for a long period and even in the last season we, my former team Mumbai, finished the tournament as a champion. But I don’t have any words to describe this achievement. It is really fantastic.

Whom the credit should go?

I think it is the result of team effort. We got two good coaches in the form of Subhrajit Saikia and Subhadeep Ghose. My boys were also serious to their job and our support staff too played good role throughout the championship. We worked as an unit and the result is in front of you.

Was there any special planning before the start of the season?

No, there was no special plan. But yes, on the very first day of the Ranji Trophy camp we set few goals like whatever may be the situation we would stay as an unit, to give hundred per cent effort in the field and few others. It is nice to see that those things were worked.

Was it difficult for you to lead a side which was completely new to you?

Not really. Earlier, I mentioned that I got two very good coaches and they really made my job easy. I never felt that I am an outsider in the team.

What was the turning point of your team in this season?

The match against Goa which was almost washed out due to rain.

Any disappointing moment?

That’s definitely my batting. It is possible for the first time happening in my career that I am going though such a long bad patch. There was not a single Ranji season in my career where I didn’t score a century and form that point of view it is definitely a very disappointing season for me. However, I am a person who is always ready to accept challenge and as the season is not over yet so I would try my best to overcome the all odds.

Don’t you feel the next challenge is more difficult for your team as the side will play quarter-final against top teams of the country?

Off-course. In the plate group you can face the opponent keeping few of your weak points under the carpet. But it will not happen in elite group. We are playing well in this season and would try our best to maintain it in the coming matches also. THE SENTINEL

Assam in elite group

GUWAHATI, Dec 18: Assam entered into the elite group of the Ranji Trophy Cricket Tournament defeating Andhra by five wickets in the plate group semi-final match held at the Nehru Stadium here today. The win also ensured a berth in the quarter-final of the championship and it would be their maiden appearance in the last eight of Ranji Trophy.

It was Sairaj Bahutule who spin a web around Andhra on the final day to ensure that Assam completed a five-wicket victory against Andhra. Resuming 40 runs ahead with five wickets in hand, the visitors had no answer to Bahutule’s turn on the last day. He picked up four wickets to finish with an innings haul of six. These six wickets also helped the spinners to collect 600 hundred wickets in the first class cricket. Talking to The Sentinel just after the match Sairaj said, “To get 600 wickets in first class cricket is a very good feeling and he is happy”. Arlen Konwar also collected three wickets for 72 runs.

Chasing a target of 129, Assam suffered a few anxious moments when they were reduced to 45 for 3. But Dhiraj Jadhav followed up his first-innings heroics with a responsible 49 to lead his team to victory.

In the quarter-final, Assam will now face Uttar Pradesh and the match would be held in Guwahati.

Meanwhile, the Assam Cricket Association today handed over cash incentive to the players who performed creditably in the tournament. The bowler who bagged five wickets in an innings got Rs 25,000 while the same amount was handed over to the batsman who scored century. Dheeraj Jadhav, who scored three consecutive centuries, got Rs 25,000 extra along with Rs 75,000. Abu Nechim Ahmed collected a purse of Rs 75,000 while Sairaj Bahutule got Rs 50,000. On the other hand, Arlen Konwar and Tarjinder Singh got Rs 25,000 each.

Scorecard

Andhra 1st innings: 213.

Assam 1st innings: 327.

Andhra 2nd innings: H Watekar c Saikia b Bahutule 59, L Reddy c Aziz b Konwar 40, A Rakesh lbw b Konwar 0, Venugopal Rao c Goswami b Konwar 5, Sumanth st Saikia b Bahutule 29, K Sahabuddin c Tarafdar b Bahutule 1, G Shankara Rao b Bahutule 18, Shivkumar lbw b Bahutule 17, VM Sai c Sinha b Goswami 34, T Atchuti Rao lbw b Bahutule 4, GVS Prasad not out 8. Extras: (b 14, lb 9, w 2, nb 1) 26. Total: (all out; 71.5 overs) 241.

Fall of wickets: 1-108, 2-111, 3-119, 4-127, 5-132, 6-171, 7-190, 8-203, 9-221. 

Bowling: AN Ahmed 11-2-47-0, DS Goswami 4.5-0-24-1, S Tarafdar 3-0-14-0, SV Bahutule 28-5-61-6, A Konwar 25-3-72-3.        

Assam 2nd innings: DS Jadhav not out 49, P Aziz b Prasad 25, AS Sinha c Watekar b Shankara Rao 2, Tarjinder Singh c Atchuti Rao b Shankara Rao 0, A Muzumdar lbw b Shankara Rao 11, KN Saikia run out (Atchuti Rao/Sai) 24, SV Bahutule not out 6. Extras: (b 5, lb 9, nb 1) 15. Total: (5 wickets; 38.1 overs) 132.

Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-45, 3-45, 4-67, 5-103.

Bowling: KS Sahabuddin 5-0-17-0, T Atchuti Rao 3-2-8-0, GVS Prasad 15.1-3-49-1, G Shankara Rao 15-2-44-3.  THE SENTINEL

Assam close to elite berth

GUWAHATI, Dec 17: A good team effort put Assam in commanding position against Andhra in the plate group semi-final of the Ranji Trophy Cricket Championship held at the Nehru Stadium here today. Left handed opener Dheeraj Jadhav carried his bat through Assam’s first innings which helped the side to take a first innings lead of 113 on day three. Sujay Tarafdar, who came into bat in number 11 position, gave good support to him and the last wicket partnership added 68 crucial runs on the board to take Assam first innings total to 327.

Later, the bowlers took over the job on their shoulder and at stumps Andhra were fighting to avoid the defeat as the side lost five wickets for 158 runs in their second innings. Arlen Konwar claimed three wickets while Sairaj Bahutule picked up the other two.

If Andhra managed to avoid defeat and the game came to an end as a draw then it would be enough for Assam to get promotion in elite group of Ranji Trophy next season where they would be after a gap of five years. It also made history as Assam for the first time will play in the quarter-final of Ranji Trophy Championship.

Jadhav came into the day on 102 and remained unbeaten on 165 runs when Assam bowled out for 327 runs in their second innings. Jadhav took 503 minutes to play 373 ball innings which had 16 boundaries and one six. Last time any Assam batsman carried his bat through in Ranji Trophy match was current Ranji Trophy coach of Assam Subhrajit Saikia.

This unbeaten 165 runs also helped Jadhav to became the highest run getter for Assam in a season. The batsman scored 554 runs in his 8 innings this season. Earlier S Satish, who scored 520 runs in a season, was holding the record for Assam.

Jadhav and Sujay’s  good effort was backed up by the home side bowlers who kept Andhra to 153 for 5 by stumps, a lead of just 40. After a solid 108 runs first wicket partnership between Hemal Watekar’s (59) and Prasad Reddy (40), Andhra started to struggle and their condition might have been more worse if Assam fielders didn’t drop few catches.

Score Board: Andhra 1st innings: 214.

Assam 1st innings: Jadhav not out 165, Aziz c Sai b Atchuti Rao 0, Sinha c and b Prasad 38, Muzumdar c sub (D Swaroop Kumar) b Shankara Rao 5, Tarjinder b Shankara Rao 20, Saikia c Sumanth b Prasad 29, Goswami c Sahabuddin b Prasad 14, Bahutule lbw b Sahabuddin 16, Ahmed c Watekar b Sahabuddin 0, Konwar run out 0, Tarafdar c Watekar b Shankara Rao 10. Extras: (b 16, lb 13, w 1) 30.       

Total: (all out; 119 overs; 503 mins) 327.

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-58, 3-69, 4-113, 5-157, 6-184, 7-257, 8-257, 9-259.

Bowling: Sahabuddin 22-7-39-2, Atchuti Rao 22-7-59-1, Prasad 41-7-103-3, Shankara Rao 32-5-95-3, Shivkumar 2-0-2-0.

Andhra 2nd innings: Watekar c Saikia b Bahutule 59, LNP Reddy c Aziz b Konwar 40,  Rakesh lbw b Konwar 0, Venugopal Rao c Goswami b Konwar 5, Sumanth not out 18, KS Sahabuddin c Tarafdar b Bahutule 1, Shankara Rao not out 12. Extras: (b 10, lb 5, w 2, nb 1) 18. Total: (5 wickets; 48.3 overs) 153.

Fall of wickets: 1-108, 2-111, 3-119, 4-127, 5-132.

Bowling: AN Ahmed 7.3-2-28-0, Goswami 3-0-9-0, Tarafdar 3-0-14-0, Bahutule 18-3-44-2, Konwar 17-3-43-3. THE SENTINEL

It’s the best phase of my career: Dheeraj Jadhav

GUWAHATI, Dec 17: It was a fantastic come back by ICL boy Dheeraj Jadhav who scored the third consecutive century in Ranji Trophy yesterday to put Assam in a strong position in the semi-final against Andhra. In a brief interaction with the media, Dhiraj today admitted that he is going through the best phase of his career. Here is the excerpt:

Three tons in consecutive Ranji Trophy matches. Your comments?

It is a great feeling for me. What is most satisfying is that the tons came in that time when my teams were required most.

Is it the best phase of your career?

I think so. I had earlier scored several centuries in Ranji Trophy. I had even double century in Ranji Trophy Championship as well as other first class matches. But I never scored three centuries in back to back matches. Yes, it is the best phase of my career.

What was in your mind when you went to bat in this match?

We are very close to earn the elite group berth in the Ranji Trophy and what was required was that a good batting from the team members. So I decided to hang around the wicket as long as possible and play my natural game.

Your comment on the last wicket partnership with Sujay Tarafdar in the first innings of this game?

I think Sujay really gave me a good stand. Our tenth wicket partnership produced 68 runs which I feel could be a decisive factor in this match.

Would you like to dedicate this performance to someone?

Yes, and it is to my mother. She has been suffering from a kidney related problem for a long period and also lost her vision. But she always inspired me to perform well.

Already discussion is there that you might not be available for Assam in the next season after this scintillating performance. Your comments?

Before I make any comment on this question, I would first like to give thanks to the officials  of the Assam Cricket Association for giving me support. I missed the domestic cricket for the last two years as I was in ICL and I was in search for an opportunity to perform and ACA gave me that platform. Regarding on your question, I would like to say that right now I am concentrating on this season only and I will think on it later. THE SENTINEL

Dhiraj Jadhav’s ton keeps Assam’s hope alive

Dhiraj’s ton keeps Assam’s hope alive

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, Dec 16: Assam opener Dhiraj Jadhav kept continued his handy work with the bat as the batsman today scored his third consecutive ton in the Ranji Trophy Championship and this time against Andhra. His fantastic performance also put Assam into the front runners for promotion to the elite group next year.

Chasing Andhra’s first innings total of 214 runs, the home team finished the second day’s play scoring 235 runs for the loss of six wickets at the Nehru Stadium here today. Assam are now leading with 21 runs with still four wickets remaining.

The day was undoubtedly belonged to Dhiraj Jadhav who played a priceless innings for his team. Andhra knew it very well that they got very small total to defend and unless the side picked up a few quick wickets in the match then it would be very difficult for them to come back into the game. The side was almost successful to their plan but determined Dhiraj single handedly brought the game out from the opponent court.

Assam started their batting with a diestrous note as opener Parvez Aziz started to walk to the pavilion without opening his account. Amit Sinha (38) started well but didn’t lusted too long and when skipper Amal Muzumdar lost his wicket on his individual score of 5 it looked like that 214 is to big score for Assam to chase. However, fall of those wickets didn’t create any impact on Dhiraj and he played one of his career best innings when it was required most by his team. The batsman was on the wicket for 351 minutes and played 264 balls to play unbeaten 102 runs innings. The innings also had five boundaries and one six. Apart from playing a solid knock Jadhav was also involved in a series of mid-sized partnerships.

Though in a four day’s match first innings lead can play a vital role to decide the fate of the game but still Assam needed another 75 to 100 runs to take upper hand in the match. However, what lead Assam could get in the first innings would be depended mostly on how long Dhiraj could bat tomorrow.

Earlier, Andhra managed to add only two runs on their over night score and the team were bowled out in their first innings on 214 runs. The only wicket that was fall today was claimed by Dhiraj Goswami.

Score Board: Andhra 1st innings: H Watekar c Konwar b Ahmed 12, L Reddy lbw b Bahutule 53, A Rakesh c Saikia b Konwar 66, Venugopal Rao c Saikia b Goswami 25, G Shankara Rao c Aziz b Konwar 1, B Sumanth c Tarjinder Singh b Konwar 25, KS Sahabuddin lbw b Konwar 0, D Shivkumar run out 5, VM Sai c Saikia b Bahutule 0, T Atchuti c Saikia b Goswami 5, GVS Prasad not out 7. Extras: (b 10, lb 3, w 2)15. Total: (93.4 overs; all out) 214.

Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-96, 3-155, 4-156, 5-177, 6-183, 7-196, 8-197, 9-201.

Bowling: A Ahmed 20-7-40-1, S Tarafdar 9-2-37-0, DS Goswami 9.4-0-21-2, SV Bahutule 31-10-61-2, A Konwar 24-6-42-4.

Assam 1st innings: DS Jadhav not out 102, P Aziz c Sai b Atchuti Rao 0, AS Sinha c & b Prasad 38, A Muzumdar c sub (D Swaroop Kumar) b Shankara Rao 5, Tarjinder Singh b Shankara Rao 20, KN Saikia c Sumanth b Prasad 29, DS Goswami c Sahabuddin b Prasad 14, SV Bahutule not out 8. Extras: (b 8, lb 11) 19. Total: (6 wickets; 87 overs) 235.

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-58, 3-69, 4-113, 5-157, 6-184.

Bowling: KS Sahabuddin 12-4-25-0, T Atchuti Rao 10-5-23-1, GVS Prasad 34-7-85-3, G Shankara Rao 29-5-81-2, D Shivkumar 2-0-2-0. THE SENTINEL

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