Madhya Pradesh completed Day 2 with a 219-run lead over Punjab with eight first innings wickets in hand
Madhya Pradesh completed Day 2 with a 219-run lead over Punjab with eight first innings wickets in hand
After a splendid present from their bowlers on the opening day, it was the flip of Madhya Pradesh batters, led by Shubham Sharma (102 not out), to reply strongly towards Punjab on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal sport in Karnataka on Tuesday.
Responding to Punjab’s 219 on what seems to be a dull pitch, Madhya Pradesh rode on a robust begin to their innings to succeed in 238 for 2 at stumps, a 19-run lead with eight first innings wickets in hand.
Both the openers, Yash Dubey and Himanshu Mantri pissed off the opposition bowlers.
With the pacers failing to get wickets, Punjab needed to watch for leg-spinner Mayank Markande for the breakthrough. The 24-year-old did simply that by dismissing Yash Dubey (20).
However, each Mantri and Shubham Sharma stitched a strong 120-run partnership for the second wicket to place MP in command towards a toothless Punjab bowling assault.
The duo batted for near 48 overs and inflicted most harm to the Punjab bowlers within the course of.
As Markande got here to Punjab’s rescue as soon as once more by eradicating Mantri (89), it was Sharma who continued together with his sensible and regular knock. The 28-year-old middle-order batsman slammed his sixth top quality ton (102 not out), courtesy 9 fours and a six, to place his facet in command, with three days of play nonetheless to go.
For Punjab, the one comfort of the day was maybe a good bowling spell from Markande who additionally represented the Mumbai Indians within the just lately concluded Indian Premier League.
Brief Scores:
Punjab: 219 all out in 71.3 overs (Abhishek Sharma 47, Anmolpreet Singh 47; Puneet Datey 3/48, Anubhav Agarwal 3/36).
Madhya Pradesh: 238/2 in 99 overs (Shubham Sharma 102 not out, Himanshu Mantri 89; Mayank Markande 2/70).
Source: www.thehindu.com
