The South African Under-19 team toured India in March-April 1996 for a three Test series. Punjab youngster Dinesh Mongia who had made his first class debut less than two months earlier was part of the team. A knock of 88 in one of the tour games against the visitors sealed his place for the first Test at Mohali. The four day Test at his home ground was played on a traditional green top and the Indians floundered against a four pronged pace attack on the first morning. [More]

In November 2000, Punjab clashed with Jammu & Kashmir in a Ranji Trophy tie in the North Zone league. The game was played at the Burlton Park, a former Test venue since superseded by the PCA ground in Mohali. After winning the toss and electing to make first use of the wicket, the J&K batsmen mustered all of 168 before the innings terminated in the 97th over, late on the first evening. Dinesh Mongia had not been idle in the field, taking a catch and effecting a run-out. [More]

Playing their opening game of the Challenger Series, India B ran into a bellicose Saurav Ganguly. The India Seniors captain flayed 144 and provided the impetus that propelled his team to a staggering 392 in 50 overs. True India B had Tendulkar in their midst apart from an accomplished supporting cast, of which Dinesh Mongia formed an important presence, but could they get to sniffing distance of such an intimidating total? [More]

Dinesh Mongia cemented his growing reputation as one of the hottest players on the domestic circuit with another fluent knock in the last round-robin match of the Challenger Series. India B went into the game needing to beat India A to entertain any hopes of making the final. All the portents were good as skipper Robin Singh won the toss and elected to make first use of a true batting wicket. [More]