spaceman slotHaryana Cricket team.Photo: X | BCCI DomesticHaryana Cricket team.Photo: X | BCCI Domestic

Defending champions Haryana sealed an 8-wicket victory over Assam in their crucial Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Group A clash at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Saturday (December 28, 2024). (More Cricket News)

On Tuesday, deep inside Chinese Mongolia, the Harmanpreet Singh-led Men in Blue did just about enough to beat a spirited Chinese side. The occasion: the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.

Haryana won the toss and opted to bowl first—a decision they didn’t regret as their bowlers skittled Assam out for just 139 runs in 37 overs. Nishant Sindhu led the attack with four wickets, while Parth Vats claimed three, and Aman Kumar chipped in with two, dismantling Assam's batting lineup.

Assam captain Sibsankar Roy fell for a duck, as did Abdul Ajij Kuraishi. Meanwhile, Sumit Ghadigaonkar provided some stability with a resilient half-century.

Chasing a modest target of 140 runs, Haryana faced early setbacks as opener Himanshu Rana departed for a duck, and Ankit Kumar managed only 8 runs.

Captain Ashok Menaria steadied the innings with a patient 30 off 50 balls. Howeverpara manalo, it was Parth Vats's unbeaten 52 off 84 balls and Nishant Sindhu's quickfire 31 off 30 deliveries that powered Haryana to a comfortable victory, reaching 140/2 in just 32 overs.