CG cruise to emphatic 10-wicket win over Pondicherry for 1st Ranji victory this season

Raipur: Chhattisgarh stormed to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Pondicherry on the third day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group clash at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, on Monday, wrapping up proceedings ahead of schedule.Dominating the contest from start to finish, Chhattisgarh first posted a formidable 377 in their first innings, built around wicketkeeper-batter Mayank Verma's unbeaten 121, alongside vital contributions from Sanjeet Desai (69), Ayush Pandey (45), and skipper Amandeep Khare (44).In reply, Pondicherry faltered against a disciplined bowling unit, bundled out for 205 in their first innings. Ravi Kiran (3/51) led the attack, supported by A A Sarvate, Ashish Chouhan, and Ajay Mandal, who shared two wickets apiece.Following on, Pondicherry's second innings collapse mirrored their first. Despite a fighting 89-run stand between J J Yadav (46) and Captain Sagar P Udeshi (31), the visitors folded for 175 in 51.1 overs. Off-spinner A A Sarvate was once again the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 for 27, while Mayank Yadav (2/36) and Ashish Chouhan (2/45) struck at crucial intervals. Needing just four runs to complete the formalities, openers Ayush Pandey (4)* and A G Tiwary (0)* knocked off the target in the very first delivery, sealing Chhattisgarh's first outright win of the season. Mayank Verma was declared player of the match. After earlier results saw them lose to Rajasthan and draw against Mumbai and Jammu & Kashmir, this emphatic win provides a major boost to Chhattisgarh's campaign.Brief Scores: Chhattisgarh 377 in 136 overs (Mayank Verma 121*, Sanjeet Desai 69, Amandeep Khare 44; Puneet Datey 3/71, Sagar P Udeshi 3/74) Pondicherry 205 & 175 (J J Yadav 46, Sagar P Udeshi 31; A A Sarvate 4/27, Ashish Chouhan 2/45) Chhattisgarh won by 10 wickets.