Xtra Time Web Desk: Bhowanipore Club and Mohun Bagan A.C registered comfortable victories in their respective knock-out matches to make their way into the semi-finals of the P Sen Trophy on Sunday. The Invitational tournament made a comeback after a gap of six years, courtesy of the initiative taken by CAB president Snehasish Ganguly.
In the tournament opener, Himachal Pradesh captain and Punjab Kings all-rounder Rishi Dhawan scored a fine 50-ball 48 followed by a five-wicket haul as Bhowanipore Club beat Kidderpore Sporting Club by 41 runs at the JU Campus Salt Lake.
Rishi was part of the YMCA side which won the P Sen trophy last time. He was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round effort.
“I have fond memories playing in P Sen Trophy. Last time, I ended up with the winner’s medal for YMCA. It is one of the most prestigious tournaments in India and a great opportunity for club cricketers to learn from other players. It gives us the opportunity to gain match-practice ahead of the domestic season,” Dhawan told Xtra Time.
Batting first, Bhowanipore Club managed to post 175 in 36.2 overs after a scintillating rescue job by Dhawan. In reply, Kidderpore Sporting Club were bundled out for 134 in 31.1 overs.
It was not a great outing for Saurashtra all-rounder Chirag Jani who was out cheaply. Talking about the atmosphere, Jani said, “This is my first time in P Sen Trophy. The atmosphere is superb here. It’s great to share the dressing room with someone like Anustup Majumdar, against whom I have played the Ranji Trophy final. We will now look to carry the momentum in our next game.”
Jharkhand batter Saurabh Tiwary, who made an appearance for Khidirpur Club blamed the conditions and wicket for their poor show.
According to Tiwary, “I think P Sen Trophy is one of the best local tournaments in the country but the conditions has been extremely hot and humid. The wicket too was not good to bat on.”
In the first match, Abhimanyu Easwaran smashed a superb 161 off 111 balls along with Shakir Habib Gandhi (107) as Mohan Bagan outclassed Aryan Club by 260 runs at the Eden Gardens. With the century, Easwaran once again sent a timely reminder to national selectors.
Batting first, Mohun Bagan posted a mammoth 430/4 in 43 overs. In reply, Aryan Club were bundled out for 170.
The Green and Maroon side got off to a flying start as Easwaran and Shakir gathered 271 runs for the opening wicket. Delhi Capitals all-rounder Lalit Yadav disappointed but former Mumbai Indians batter Deepak Punia scored 61 not out off 25 balls to power Mohun Bagan past the 400-run mark.
Chasing a huge target, Aryan Club lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for a low score. Anuj Kumar Singh top-scored with 39 runs.
Deepak (4-17) and Akash Pandey (3-41) were the pick of the bowlers for Mohun Bagan.