Chandigarh face trouble as Vihari scores ton in Ranji Trophy

Chandigarh, February 19

Indian test player Hanuma Vihari, who has been included in the Test series against Sri Lanka, came up with a brilliant ton for Hyderabad to push back Chandigarh in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, at Bhubaneswar today.

Vihari posted 106 runs off 149 balls, with 15 boundaries, to help Hyderabad gain a commanding position. After getting a 131-run lead, Hyderabad posted a mammoth of 268/8 before declaring their second innings. Vihari’s innings was supported by Tilak Verma, who contributed 63 off 76 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes. Gaurav Gambhir (4/614) and Jagjit Singh Sandhu (4/79) remain the top performer for the bowling side. Chasing 400 runs to win, Chandigarh lads were down to 21/2 at the drawn of stumps. Earlier, in their first innings, Chandigarh lads were all out for 216. Raj Angad Bawa (44) was the top scorer of the day for Chandigarh.

Himachal trail by 21

runs against Punjab

Punjab bowlers, meanwhile, helped the side to make comeback against Himachal Pradesh. Himachal posted 151/5 in 49.5 overs at the close of third day’s play. NR Gangta (42), AK Rana (38), AP Vashisht (36) and Raghav Dhawan (14) were the main scorers for the side. Mayank Markande claimed 2/51 to lead Punjab’s bowling attack, while Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh and Ashwani Kumar took one wicket each.

In their first innings, Himachal had posted 354 runs. Earlier, Punjab started the innings from the overnight score 393/4 in 82 overs, and went on to score 526 runs before getting all-out in 116.2 overs. Prabhsimran Singh posted a brilliant 123 off 138 balls with 21 boundaries and one six, while Abhishek Sharma scored 98 off 101 balls, studded with nine boundaries and five sixes. Sanvir Singh (48), Gurkeerat Singh Mann (46), Anmolpreet Singh (36), Arshdeep (26) and Ashwani Kumar (22) were the other scorers for the side. Arpit N Guleria (4/111) and MJ Dagar (2/78) were the main wicket takers for the bowling side. —