In an engaging day of cricket, hosts Jharkhand reached 247/7 against Saurashtra in their Ranji Trophy match at Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) Stadium in Ranchi on Wednesday.
After winning the toss, former champions Saurashtra elected to bowl first in their Elite Group D encounter.
The day was marked by solid performances, notably from Jharkhand opener Sharandeep Singh, who, playing only his second first-class game, scored a resilient 73 off 160 balls. His partnership with Nazim Siddiquie, who contributed 36 off 54 balls before retiring hurt on 29 with the team score on 54 for no loss, provided Jharkhand with a solid start.
After Siddiquie’s temporary exit, Utkarsh Singh stepped in, adding a quick 26 off 42 balls to the scoreboard, but squandered a promising start. Kumar Suraj (25 off 49) also showed initial promise before Saurashtra skipper Jaydev Unadkat breached his defence to make it 153/2.
Siddiquie then resumed his innings following Suraj’s dismissal but Jharkhand’s middle order crumbled precipitously, losing five wickets whilst adding merely 36 runs. From 153/1 they were reduced to 189/6 when youngster Robin Minz was scalped by Hiten Kanbi on eight off 18 balls.
However, the spin duo of Anukul Roy (36 off 46) and Manishi (unbeaten 18 off 53) steadied the ship, weaving together a crucial 58-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Roy, the spinner allrounder, scored a brisk 36 off 46 balls before falling on the day’s last ball, leaving Manishi unbeaten at the crease.
Roy’s dismissal coincided with the umpires halting play due to deteriorating light conditions in the post-tea session after 72 overs.
As for Saurashtra’s bowling attack, it was spearheaded by right-arm medium-fast bowler Kanbi, who made significant inroads into Jharkhand’s batting lineup, claiming 4 wickets for 50 runs from his 15 overs. His performance was pivotal in ensuring that the hosts didn’t run away with the game on the first day.
The hosts will look to extend their first innings total when play resumes on Day 2, whilst Saurashtra will aim to swiftly wrap up the remaining wickets. Manishi remains undefeated at the crease, holding the key to Jharkhand’s prospects of posting a competitive total.
Brief scores (In Ranchi): Jharkhand 247/7 in 72 overs (Sharandeep Singh 72; Hiten Kanbi 4/50) vs Saurashtra. Match to continue
