Hooda celebrates India call-up with all-round show for RBI

Hooda’s 74 (35b, 5x4, 6x6) with the bat and a brilliant spell of 5-17 helped RBI beat ONGC by 45 runs.

Deepak Hooda was said he was ecstatic with his selection for the Indian squad. (File Photo)

Deepak Hooda on Sunday celebrated his call-up to the Indian T20I squad for a tri-series in Sri Lanka, with a fine all-round display for the RBI in the 14th DY Patil T20 Cup.

Hooda’s 74 (35b, 5x4, 6x6) with the bat and a brilliant spell of 5-17 helped RBI beat ONGC by 45 runs. Batting first, RBI posted 164-7 in its 20 overs with Hooda at number four top scoring for his side. For ONGC, Vikramjeet Malik (3-34) was the pick of the bowlers.

In its response, ONGC just could not get going as Hooda spun a web around its batting line-up. Mayank Rawat (45) and Om Bhosle (33) were the only batsmen to provide any sort of challenge. This was RBI’s first win in the tournament. ONGC is now out of the competition as they lost all three of its Pool B contests.

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Hooda was said he was ecstatic with his selection for the Indian squad. “I have to maintain my consistency and keep working hard in my practise sessions. I have to carry the positives from here with hard work and maintain my ability to be a useful all-rounder,” he said.

“It is obvious that there is pressure, because you have to represent your nation. I am getting a chance to perform for the country which is a huge feeling. There is a sense of responsibility too as I have to deliver my best,” said Hooda.

In the other match, Canara Bank went down by nine wickets to Jain Irrigation System Ltd. Canara Bank was shot out for 140 with Rakesh Prabhu (3-33) being the best bowler for Jain Irrigation System Ltd. In its response Jain Irrigation System Ltd was well served by Mumbai opener Jay Bista (50) and his partner Pritam Patil (77 n.o.). Jain Irrigation finished the league stage with three wins from as many games in Pool A, whereas Canara Bank managed to win just one of their three games. On Monday the action moves to the Talegaon facility of DY Patil College.

Brief Scores:

RBI 164-7 in 20 overs (Deepak Hooda 74, Kuldeep Hooda 21, Ishan Kishan 15; Vikramjeet Malik 3-34, Mayank Dagar 2-24) beat ONGC 119 in 15.2 overs (Mayank Rawat 45, Om Bhosle 33; Deepak Hooda 5-17, Saumitra Singh 2-26) by 45 runs

Canara Bank 140 in 20 overs (Raajoo Bhatkal 55; Rakesh Prabhu 3-33, Azhar Ansari 2-27) lost to Jain Irrigation System Ltd 142-1 in 12.5 overs (Jay Bista 50, Pritam Patil 77 n.o.) by 9 wickets.