A poor show with the willow ensured that Hyderabad crashed to a four-wicket loss to Chandigarh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite T20 match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday.
Hyderabad skipper CV Milind won the toss, but his openers Rishiket Sisodia (3) and Tanmay Agarwal (5) lasted only 1.5 overs as Hyderabad were reduced to 10 for two. Aman Rao (33) and wicket-keeper Pragnay Reddy (43) steadied the innings with a 75-run stand for the third wicket but once the partnership was broken, things fell apart.
Buddhi Rahul (13) and Tanay Thayagarajan (37) got starts but failed to build on it as the Chandigarh bowlers kept a tight lease on the rival batters.
Hyderabad were restricted to 146 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Jagjit Singh Sandhu grabbed three for 36, while Sandeep Sharma (2/33) and C Dhindsa (2/18) ensured that their batters did not have to chase a big score.
In contrast, Chandigarh openers Manan Vohra (11) and Arjun Azad gave their side a steady start with a 41-run opening partnership. After Vohra’s departure, Azad and skipper Shivam Bhambri took charge of the proceedings. They added 68 off 57 balls for the second wicket to put Chandigarh in a firm position. Azad topscored with a 48-ball 63 (8×4, 2×6) and Bhambri made a 36-ball 42 with five hits to the fence as Chandigarh reached 147 for six with a ball to spare. CTL Rakshann (2.36) and Milind (2/27) were among the wickets.
Despite the loss, Hyderabad were on top of Group B with 20 points.
Brief scores: Hyderabad 146/8 in 20 overs (Pragnay Reddy 43, Aman Rao 33, Tanay Ghyagarajan 27; Jagjit Singh Sandhu 3/36, C Dhindsa 2/18, Sandeep Sharma 2/33) lost to Chandigarh 147/6 in 19.5 overs (Arjun Azad 63, Shivam Bhambri 42; CV Milind 2/27, CTL Rakshann 36/2). Chandigarh 4 points, Hyderabad 0.
