Pune:Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) scripted a five-wicket triumph over Indian Airlines in the finals of the All India Public Secter Sports Promotion Board (AIPSSPB) all India limited overs cricket tournament here yesterday.

A strokeful unbeaten half century by Niranjan Behra (67 5x4s, 1x6) and an equally entertaining knock of 48 not out by B S Tomar (37 balls, 4x4s 1x6) fashioned BSNL's win who mustered 229 for 5 in 39 over surpassing the rival India Airlines total of 228 for 6, with one over to spare.

Rajat Bhatia's forceful 102 off 110 balls (12x4s) proved futile as Indian Airlines, batting first, coasted to 228 for 6 in their stipulated 40 overs. N S Bisla 54 (66 balls, 5x4s) was the other main contributor their tally. Joginder Sharma (3/55) and Kamlesh Makwana (2/44) restricted the rival total.

In reply, BSNL hammered 229 for 5 in 39 overs. Besides Behra and Tomar, Priyavarat Pradhan's sizzling knock of 58 (129 balls, 3x4s) assured their victory. While Sachin Rana (2/38) had some success with the ball.

Niranjan Behra of BSNL was adjudged the man of the tournament while Joginder Sharma, also of BSNL, walked away with the best all rounder trophy. Rajat Bhatia of Indian Airlines was named the best batsman.

Brief scores: Indian Airlines 228 for 6 in 40 overs (Rajat Bhatia 102, M S Bisla 54; Joginder Sharma 3/55, Kamlesh Makwana 2/44) lost to BSNL 229 for 5 in 39 overs (Niranjan Behra 67 not out, B S Tomar 48 not out, Priyavarat Pradhan 58; Sachin Rana 2/38).

Tags: pune, bharat sanchar nigam limited, bsnl, five-wicket triumph, indian airlines, finals, all india public secter sports promotion board, aipsspb, all india limited overs cricket tournament.