Ranji Trophy: Maharashtra’s Vicky troubles city batters, claims 6 wkts

Maharashtra’s Vicky Ostwal claimed six wickets as the host Chandigarh were bundled out at 209 on the second day of their Ranji Trophy match at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium. The visitors claimed a 170-run lead when the stumps were drawn.

In reply to Maharashtra’s 313, Chandigarh opened with Shivam Bhambri and Arjun Azad. The duo started on a decent note with a 68-run partnership. However, Ramakrishna Ghosh gave Maharashtra a chance to bounce back. Ghosh accounted Azad (29) to reduce the side at the 68/1. Thereafter, Skipper Manan Vohra (1) became the first victim of Ostwal, and Bhambri (33) fell prey to Ghosh.

Raman Bishnoi and Ankit Kaushik then tried to calm the situation. However, Ostwal struck again by claiming Kaushik’s wicket (1). Mayank Sidhu (17) contributed a little, before losing his stumps to MG Choudhary, and Raj Angad Bawa (3) moved back to the pavilion in a similar manner off PC Dadhe. Ostwal then claimed wickets of Vishu (0) and Jagjit Singh Sidhu (2) as the Chandigarh innings went down to 126/8.

However, Bishnoi got a timely support from Nishunk Birla and the duo helped Chandigarh cross the 200-mark. They raised a 75-run partnership for the ninth wicket, but couldn’t hold back more as Ostwal finally got the wicket of Bishnoi (54 off 121 balls, with three boundaries and a six) to record his five-wicket haul. Saini (3) was the last man out and the sixth wicket for Ostwal, as Chandigarh innings collapsed at 209. Ostwal ceded 40 runs in 21 overs. Birla remained unbeaten at 56 off 99 balls, with nine boundaries.

Meanwhile, extending their lead, Maharashtra closed the day at 66 for no loss. Prithvi Shaw played his natural game to score 44 off 36 balls, with five boundaries, while Arshin Kulkarni posted 25 off 30 balls, with three boundaries.

At Mullanpur, Punjab batters staged a fine comeback while riding high over 170-run contribution by debutant Harnoor Pannu. The side posted 436 against Kerala, as Pannu led the charge.

Resuming the overnight 240/6, Pannu went on to post 170 of 343 balls, studded with 13 boundaries. The innings was further boosted by Prerit Dutta, who came up with a fine 72 off 145 balls, with four boundaries and a six. He was ably supported by Mayank Markande, who posted unbeaten 48 off 141 balls, while batting at number 9.

Earlier, Salil Arora (36) and Krish Bhagat (28) also recorded important contributions.

Ankit Sharma (4/103) remained the best performer for the bowling side, alongside Basil NP (2/69), B Aparajith (2/88) and Ahammed Imran (1/36).

In reply, Kerala had posted 15/1 when the stumps were drawn. Bhagat claimed Basil’s wicket in the second over of the match.