Hyderabad: Sarupam Purkayastha's valiant 125 went in vain as Punjab eked out a thrilling one-run win over Assam in a group A encounter of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, here yesterday to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

Abu Nechim Ahmed (1, 5 balls) played four dot balls in the final over as Punjab snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Batting first, Punjab posted a massive 327 for four with Mandeep Singh (117 no) and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (62) being the chief contributors. Mandeep's 97-ball innings had 12 boundaries and three sixes.