Manjrekar XI, Merchant XI dominate

The opening day's play in the third and final round matches of the 15th Sportstar Trophy (under-19) tournament saw Vijay Manjrekar XI and Vijay Merchant XI taking the honours at the Cross Maidan in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Put in to bat by Vijay Merchant XI, the Thane side Khandu Rangnekar XI were bowled out for 201. Rangnekar XI made a fine start with openers Prabhodan Kanse and Sandesh Amrute putting on 98 runs. But some fine bowling by spinners Vikrant Yelligetti and Pushkaraj Korde, who claimed four victims each, changed the course of the game. Languishing at the botton of the table with three points, Merchant XI appeared to have the edge at stumps making 113 for one.

In another match, defending champions Vijay Manjrekar XI bowled out Dattu Phadkar XI for 195. Hiken Shah and Siddhart Bhatkar added 75 runs off 19 overs for the eighth wicket. At close, Manjrekar XI were 77 for two.

Harbhajan accepts offer of DSP with Punjab Police

Star Indian bowler Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday accepted the offer of the Punjab Chief Minister to join as Deputy Superintendent of Police with the Punjab Police.

Talking to PTI, Harbhajan Singh said "I wish to continue to play with Indian Airlines where I am currently working till the formation of the Punjab Police cricket team". He thanked the Chief Minister, Prakash Singh Badal, for offering him such an honour.

Cricketer of the Year award for Ganguly

Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was on Tuesday presented with the Officer's Choice Cricketer of the Year award for 2000 at a simple function held at his residence in Kolkata. The announcement of the award was made some time ago but the presentation could not be made because of the pressing engagements of the Indian captain.

The award, consisting of a glass trophy and other mementoes, was presented to Ganguly by Shankar Mukherjee, vice president of BDA Limited. Speaking on the occasion, Ganguly said he was happy to receive the award. "I could not find the time earlier to receive the award but now that I have got it, I feel very happy."

Australian captain Steve Waugh received the award in 1999 while Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar had got it in 1998.

© CricInfo