Mantri's Grit Holds Back Punjab for a Dramatic Draw

Punjab almost clinched victory against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Group C match as Himanshu Mantri's tenacious innings secured a dramatic draw. Punjab set MP a target of 400, closing in at 121 for eight, before Mantri and Avesh Khan's partnership thwarted their efforts.

Punjab nearly sealed an outright victory against Madhya Pradesh before facing stiff resistance from opener Himanshu Mantri, leading to a draw in the Ranji Trophy Group C match on Monday. Set with a target of 400, MP was faltering at 121 for eight, but Mantri's persistence turned the tables.

Himanshu Mantri scored a resolute 41, crucially surviving 225 balls, while Avesh Khan assisted with a vital stand, seeing off 60 deliveries for 10 runs. MP concluded their innings at 146 for eight, with Harpreet Singh contributing a swift 35. Punjab's bowlers, led by Gurnoor Brar (3/60), failed to close out the game.

Meanwhile, Haryana earned first-innings lead points in a draw against Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow. UP, achieving 367 against Haryana's massive 453, saw Yash Dayal and Ankit Rajpoot rallying together to form a last-wicket stand of 85, frustrating Haryana's bowlers including Jayant Yadav, who took 4/102.

(With inputs from agencies.)