Assam holds off Punjab for draw in Ranji Trophy match

Assam successfully resisted a strong push by Punjab to secure a draw on the final day of their Ranji Trophy round-one match at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. Punjab had pushed hard for an outright victory but ultimately had to settle for three points from the encounter.

Overnight batters Emanjot Singh Chahal and Salil Arora scored centuries to secure a first-innings lead for Punjab. Emanjot finished unbeaten on 114 runs from 137 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes to reach his maiden First-Class hundred. Salil contributed 110 runs from 152 balls with 10 fours and three sixes before being dismissed by Mukhtar Hussain. Their partnership helped Punjab establish a first-innings lead of 105 runs.

Following Lunch, Punjab sent Assam in for a second innings and reduced them to 36 for three as Umesh claimed two wickets, dismissing Nebir Deka and Rajveer Singh, while Harpreet Brar removed Rishav Das. Denish Das and Sibsankar Roy added 57 runs, but both were later caught behind. Gurnoor Brar then trapped Sumit Ghadigaonkar leg-before, and Mukhtar Hussain retired hurt after being struck by a bouncer. However, Amlanjyoti Das and Sarupam Purkayastha held firm for the final 30 minutes to secure a solitary point for Assam.