Prateek Yadav’s masterful century (109 runs off 132 balls) and skipper Amandeep Khare’s valiant 97 runs propelled Chhattisgarh to a commanding 450/9 in their first innings on day two of the Buchi Babu Memorial All-India Invitational Cricket Tournament semifinal against TNCA XI. The match, held at the NPR College cricket ground in Natham, was eventually abandoned due to rain, setting up a nail-biting finish on the final day.
Prateek continued his impressive scoring form, reaching his century with two massive sixes off left-arm spinner Ajith Ram. He first smashed a long-off six to reach 94 and then followed it up with a powerful slog-sweep for another six over midwicket, bringing up his hundred off 113 balls. He also played several elegant shots, including a pull shot for four off pacer Achyuth and an inside-out four off Sonu Yadav.
Amandeep, who resumed his steady batting from overnight, partnered with Prateek for a crucial 164-run stand for the fourth wicket. He displayed his class with a string of well-timed shots, including a flick for four off Achyuth, a cover-drive for four off Sonu, and a reverse sweep for four off Lakshay Jain. He was unlucky to miss out on a century, getting out on 97 after a sharp low catch by Mokit Hariharan off Lakshay.
Ajith Ram and Lakshay Jain were the pick of the bowlers for TNCA XI, claiming four wickets each. The match was eventually abandoned due to rain, leaving the result hanging in the balance. The final day promises a thrilling encounter as Chhattisgarh look to seal their spot in the final.
