The bowlers' impressive display on the first day, followed by Uday Kaul's century, proved decisive as Punjab earned three points from their Group A Ranji Trophy match against Railways, in Bhubaneshwar, on Tuesday.
The final day's play turned out to be inconsequential as Punjab finished at 59 for 2 after Railways declared their second innings at 353 for five, with opener Amit Paunikar's 166 being the highlight.
The batsman was unbeaten on 113 overnight. His knock was studded with 23 boundaries and a six, off 252 balls and 348 minutes in the middle.
Skipper Sanjay Bagar chipped in with 62, which came off 83 balls, and included seven fours and two sixes, at the East Coast Railway Sports Association.
Punjab will be glad that their bowlers hit the right rhythm in Railways' first innings. Once Sandeep Sharma and Siddarth Kaul bowled out the Railways for 205, it became quite easier for Punjab.
Kaul then, in the company of Amitoze Singh and Bipul Sharma, ensured that Punjab got a lead of more than 100 runs in the first innings. Raiwlays got a point from the tie.
Railways' batsmen performed better in the second innings but that was not enough for them.
Brief scores:
Railways: 205 & 353 for 5 in 102.2 overs (Amit Paunikar 166, Sanjay Bangar 62, Bipul Sharma 2/78).
Punjab: 314 & 59 for 2 in 28 overs.
