VVS Laxman (120; 193m, 14x4, 1x6) completed his 23rd century but for valuable contributions from the 10th-wicket pair of Vishal Sharma (37) and Ahmed Khader (35 no), Hyderabad would have found it difficult to reach a satisfying score of 341 against Madhya Pradesh on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Group ‘A’ league match on Saturday.
The Hyderabad bowlers struck back strongly to have MP reeling at 44 for 3. On a bright sunny day in contrast to the gloomy first day, Laxman continued from he left but the rest of the batsmen floundered yet again much to the chagrin of the Hyderabad skipper.
GH Vihari, who prospered with Laxman on Friday, added only five runs before playing a loose shot to be caught at second slip for 81.
Delhi Take vital Lead
Bhubaneswar: An unbeaten century by experienced Mithun Manhas and his 139 run seventh wicket stand with all-rounder Sumit Narwal put host Delhi in a commanding position on the second day of their four-day Group B Ranji match against Odisha.
In reply to Odisha’s modest first innings total of 143, Delhi made 331 to take a healthy lead of 188 runs. Odisha were seven for no loss in their second innings at the close of the day’s play. Resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 62 for three, the home team continued to struggle against the opposition pace attack and at one stage were 163 for six. But authoritative batting by Manhas and Narwal helped Delhi take control of the four-day match.
rajasthan post 478
Jaipur: Wicketkeeper-batsman Dishant Yagnik (76 not out) hit an unbeaten half-century to help Rajasthan reach 478 in their first innings but Mumbai made a strong reply finishing day 2 at 76 for no loss in their Group ‘A’ Ranji Trophy match.
Kaustubh Pawar (26) and Aditya Tare (43) were at the crease keeping their team in contention when umpires called off the day.