Mullanpur/New Delhi: Punjab lost star batter Shubman Gill cheaply against Chhattisgarh on Sunday in the first innings of their four-day Ranji Trophy match, as the new season got underway with the second round of fixtures. Gill is playing in the Ranji Trophy to get match practice ahead of India’s challenging tour of New Zealand, but he suffered an early setback on the opening day.
With Punjab at 65 for two under captain Uday Saharan, Gill walked in at No. 4 but lasted just five balls before losing his wicket for one run. The right-hander was clean bowled by left-arm spinner Ajay Mandal. However, Punjab captain Saharan rescued the team with an unbeaten 106, helping Punjab reach 269 for four at stumps on the opening day. Prabhsimran Singh also made a valuable contribution with 62 runs. Chhattisgarh’s Dharmendra Singh Jadeja and Mandal claimed two wickets each.
In Delhi, IPL regular Priyansh Arya (199 off 221 balls, including six sixes and 24 fours) scored his maiden first-class century but narrowly missed a landmark double century by just one run. The Delhi batter was clean bowled by Gujarat off-spinner Manan Hingrajia. Delhi finished the opening day at 381 for four, with captain Ayush Badoni making a significant contribution through an unbeaten 115. Gujarat pacer Harshal Patel was the leading wicket-taker for his side with two scalps.
Key Highlights from Other Ranji Trophy Matches:
- Rinku Singh Rescues Uttar Pradesh
In Kanpur, Rinku Singh came to the crease when Uttar Pradesh were struggling at 33 for three and produced an unbeaten 118, featuring two sixes and 11 fours, to rescue his team against Goa. His innings helped Uttar Pradesh post a total of 202. Goa reached 43 without losing a wicket in reply.
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- Mumbai Take Control Against Himachal Pradesh
In Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh were dismissed for 140 in their first innings. Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande led the bowling attack with four wickets. Mumbai then reached 107 for two in their first innings.
- Karnataka Post 281 Against Saurashtra
In Bengaluru, Karnataka scored 281 for eight against Saurashtra. Manvant Kumar top-scored with 86 runs. Saurashtra used eight bowlers, with captain Jaydev Unadkat, playing on his birthday, and Parth Bhut taking three wickets each, while Chetan Sakariya claimed two.
- Baroda Bowl Out Bihar for 166
In Vadodara, Baroda pacer Raj Limbani took four wickets, while Mahesh Pithiya and Bhargav Bhatt claimed two each to bowl Bihar out for 166. Baroda reached 77 for three in reply at the close of play.