GUWAHATI, Dec 26 � At one stage Himachal Pradesh were tottering at 122 for six. But at the day�s end, the visitors have consolidated their position with 261 for six.
On the opening day of the four-day semifinal match of the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy Plate Division match at the Nehru Stadium here today, electing to bat first, Himachal Pradesh had to face a tough time at the initial stage losing six wickets with scoreboard reading 122. But two deserving half centuries by Aatish Bhalaick (62 n.o) and Akash Vashisht (70 n.o) turned the tables on Assam. They not only took their team to a comfort zone but also demoralised the Assam bowlers. Both the batsmen added 139 runs for the unbroken seventh wicket.
Apart from these two, opener Prashant Chopra was the other notable contributor with a patient 50. After Prashant�s departure, the visiting team lost 4 quick wickets as they were reduced from 79 for two to 122 for six. Ranjan Ramchiary scalped three while Jugeswar Bhumij took two and Roshan Basfor shared one. At that stage Assam bowlers were in dominating role. But they failed to continue the pressure and as a result matured looking Aatish and Akash sent Assam�s fielders on a leather hunt.
Aatish faced 120 balls in his 158-minute innings during which he hit 8 boundaries. On the other hand, Akash is at the crease for 159 minutes and cracked 70 off 125 balls. His knock is studded with nine fours and one six.
Prior to that, other half century maker Prashant stayed at the crease for 189 minutes and took 127 balls.
Brief scores: Himachal Pradesh 1st innings 261 for six (Prashant Chopra 50, Aatish Bhalaick 62 batting, Akash Vashisht 70 batting, Ranjan Ramchiary 3/67, Jogeswar Bhumij 2/34, Roshan Basfor 1/57).
