Chandigarh, Sep 20 (PTI) – The Punjab Cricket Association Colts triumphed over the Delhi Challengers by a margin of 43 runs to clinch the title in the 29th All India J P Atray Memorial Cricket Tournament, held in Mohali on Friday. This victory not only earned them the prestigious trophy but also a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh. The runners-up, Delhi Challengers, were awarded Rs 1.5 lakh along with their trophy.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan graced the event as the chief guest, presenting the prizes to both teams. His presence underscored the significance of the tournament in promoting cricket at the grassroots level. Vivek Atray, the convenor of the tournament, was also present, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young cricket talent.

The Punjab Cricket Association Colts set a challenging target by posting a total of 298/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Key contributors to this score were opener Harnoor Singh, who played a stellar innings of 89 runs, and Sohraab Dhaliwal, who remained unbeaten with an impressive 74 runs. Their disciplined batting was a highlight of the match.

The Delhi Challengers’ bowling attack was led by Vikas Singh, who managed to claim 3 wickets, and Vaibhav Arora, who took 2 wickets. Despite their efforts, the Challengers couldn’t restrict the Colts to a manageable total.

In their chase, Delhi Challengers were bowled out for 255 runs in 47.1 overs. Rishi Dhawan top-scored for his team with a valiant 76 runs, while Mahipal Lomror contributed a steady 48 runs. However, their efforts fell short against a disciplined bowling attack from the PCA Colts.

This BCCI-recognized event took place across various venues, including the Punjab Cricket Association’s stadiums in Mullanpur and Mohali, as well as the Tau Devi Lal Cricket Stadium in Panchkula. The tournament ran from September 10 to September 20, showcasing emerging cricket talent from across the country.

The grand finale was hosted at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, bringing together cricket enthusiasts and dignitaries to witness the culmination of this prestigious tournament. The event not only celebrated cricket but also highlighted the importance of fostering young talent and providing them with platforms to showcase their skills.