Yuvraj fails with bat as Punjab lose to Raj by 4 wkts

Veteran Yuvraj Singh failed with the bat as minnows Rajasthan shocked Punjab by 4 wickets in a group B encounter of the Syed Mushtaq T20 tournament, here on Saturday.

Batting first, Punjab managed a paltry 130 for six in 20 overs with Mandeep Singh smashing 76 off 52 balls with seven fours and three sixes. Yuvraj was dismissed by a slower delivery from Rajat Bhatia, caught by Rajesh Bisnoi. Save Mandeep, only Gurinder Singh (29 no) crossed the 20-run mark. 

Bhatia again proved his skills as slow medium pacer in this format with figures of 2/16 in 4 overs. In reply, Rajasthan were reeling at 76 for five in 14 overs but a 53 run stand between Rajesh Bishnoi (58) and Dishant Yagnik (23 no) put them on the cusp of victory.

Bishnoi hit four boundaries and equal number of sixes in his 32-ball innings. Yuvraj did bowl well taking two wickets for 16 runs but it was difficult to stop the opposition while defending such a low total. Punjab captain Harbhajan Singh did not play on Saturday’s match due to some personal commitments and will take part in the next game.

Brief Scores: Punjab 130/6 in 20 overs (Mandeep Singh 76 no, Yuvraj Singh 2)

Rajasthan 133/6 in 19.4 overs (Rajesh Bishnoi 58, Dishant Yagnik 23 no). Rajasthan won by 4 wickets.