Cricket

India B Trails India C by 216 Runs on Day 4 of Duleep Trophy 2024India B resumed their innings on Day 4 of the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024 match against India C, trailing by 216 runs. Abhimanyu Easwaran and Rahul Chahar remained unbeaten at the crease, with Easwaran standing firm at 143.India B had ended Day 3 at 309/7, with Easwaran and Chahar guiding the team towards a draw. The match is poised for a stalemate, with India B requiring 66 runs to avoid a follow-on.Earlier, India C had posted a mammoth 525 in their first innings, thanks to a century from Ishan Kishan. India B's bowlers struggled to contain the opposition's batting lineup, with only Saurabh Kumar managing to take three wickets.In response, India B's top order failed to make significant contributions. However, Easwaran's century and Chahar's unbeaten knock have kept their hopes alive.The match is expected to end in a draw, with both teams unlikely to force a result. India B will be satisfied with their performance, having shown resilience in the face of a strong India C side.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious over Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 28 runs in a thrilling encounter. CSK posted a competitive total of 167 for 9, thanks to a crucial 43 from Ravindra Jadeja. PBKS, despite a promising start, collapsed from 62 for 2 to 78 for 7, handing CSK the advantage.CSK's innings got off to a shaky start with the loss of Ajinkya Rahane in the powerplay. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube provided some stability before falling in quick succession. Jadeja's timely intervention at No. 6 ensured CSK reached a respectable total.PBKS's chase began brightly, with Prabhsimran Singh hitting a brisk 30. However, Rahul Chahar's mastery of the googly and Harshal Patel's return to form proved too much for the Punjab side. Chahar claimed three wickets, while Patel picked up two, including the prized scalp of MS Dhoni.The pitch played a significant role in the match. Despite its initial appearance as a batting paradise, it offered reverse swing and extra bounce, making shot-making difficult. Spinners also found assistance, with Chahar and Jadeja producing double-wicket overs.CSK's victory was a testament to their resilience and the brilliance of Jadeja, Chahar, and Patel. PBKS, on the other hand, will need to address their inconsistency and find a way to sustain their early momentum.