Ashwin shines with 5/50 for MRC 'A'

CHENNAI: Star off-spinner R Ashwin's first five-wicket haul of the season helped MRC 'A' dismiss India Pistons for 161 on Day 1 of their TNCA first division league clash on Monday. Ashwin returned with figures of 5 for 50. In reply, MRC 'A' were in a spot of bother at 142 for 6. Offie L Sathiyannaarayan shone with 4-45 for India Pistons.
Defending champions Jolly Rovers rode M Kaushik Gandhi's 271-ball 224 helped the side finish on 477 for 9 in their match against Swaraj CC.Apart from Kaushik, B Aparajith too contributed with 76. The duo added 174 runs for the third wicket stand. Both Kaushik (1014 runs) and Aparajith (1023) top the batting charts in the ongoing season.
In another match, S Lokeshwar (125, 8x4, 1x6) and Bhargav Merai (108, 7x4, 2x6) helped Grand Slam score 400 against MCC. The two were involved in a 204-run stand for the third wicket that helped the side finish with a good total.
Alwarpet benefitted from Ruturaj Gaikwad's unbeaten 110 to end on 218 in their encounter against Nelson. For the bowling side, M Poiyamozhi was the wrecker-in-chief — bagging 6 for 62. In reply, Nelson were 69 for 1. The other notable performers include Vijay CC's Rahil Shah (5-115 vs Globe Trotters), S Parameswaran (116 for AG's Office) and Ashwath Mukunthan (5-72 for Young Stars).
Summarized scores: Grand Slam 400 in 100 overs (S Lokeshwar 125, Bhargav Merai 108) vs MCC; India Pistons 161 in 55.3 overs (R Ashwin 5-50). MRC 'A' 142-6 in 42 overs (Sathiyannaarayan 4-45); Jolly Rovers 477-9 in 100 overs (Kaushik Gandhi 224, B Aparajith 76) vs Swaraj; Globe Trotters 385 in 98.4 overs (R Audhi Sachin 72, Sumant Jain 87; Rahil Shah 5-115) vs Vijay CC; AG's Office 214 in 86.2 overs (S Parameeswaran 116; Ashwath Mukunthan 5-72) vs Young Stars 27-2 in eleven overs; Alwarpet 218 in 65.2 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 110 n.o.; Poiyamozhi 6-62) vs Nelson 69-1 in 29 overs (G Hanuma Vihari 50 batting).