Punjab vs Saurashtra Semi-Final: Early Momentum Shifts as Harnoor Breaks Free

Match Snapshot

The second semi-final between Punjab and Saurashtra opened with a period of controlled tension before momentum tilted sharply in Punjab’s favor. After a watchful start, Harnoor Pannu lifted the tempo with the match’s first six, forcing Saurashtra’s seamers to reassess their lengths as the pressure mounted.

Score Update: Punjab 48/0 in 9 overs

Turning Points

• Harnoor Pannu’s acceleration: From 11 off 23, Harnoor surged to 31 off 34, targeting the leg side and punishing any over-pitched deliveries.

• Sakariya under pressure: A probing fourth over from Chetan Sakariya was countered with three boundaries, easing Punjab’s early nerves.

• Missed chance for Saurashtra: Prabhsimran Singh survived an early scare when Chirag Jani couldn’t complete a backpedalling catch at fine leg an opportunity that could have swung the opening exchanges.

Score Update: Punjab 9/0 in 4 overs (at the time of the missed chance)

Team Context and Selection Notes

Saurashtra welcomed back Jaydev Unadkat after he missed the group stages and quarter-final, though the captaincy remained with Harvik Desai. The move underlined Saurashtra’s intent to tighten the screws with experience and discipline, especially in the powerplay.

Playing XIs

Saurashtra: Harvik Desai (capt, wk), Vishvaraj Jadeja, Prerak Mankad, Sammar Gajjar, Chirag Jani, Ruchit Ahir, Parswaraj Rana, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Ankur Panwar, Jaydev Unadkat, Chetan Sakariya

Punjab: Prabhsimran Singh (wk/c), Harnoor Singh, Anmolpreet Singh, Naman Dhir, Nehal Wadhera, Ramandeep Singh, Sanvir Singh, Krish Bhagat, Sukhdeep Bajwa, Mayank Markande, Gurnoor Brar