Ranji Trophy wrap: Punjab impress with bat to frustrate HP, debutant Anuj Rawat shines as Delhi inch towards win
Wicket-keeper Abhishek Gupta struck an unbeaten century on debut as Punjab reached 484 for six in reply to Himachal Pradesh’s mammoth 729 for eight declared on the third day of a Group D Ranji Trophy match on Sunday.
Gupta made a quickfire 129 not out off 116 balls with the help of 16 boundaries and four sixes to held the fort for Punjab in the company of his name sake and another debutant Abhishek Sharma (81 not out).
Himachal Pradesh will go into day four needing four more wickets to secure a first-innings lead but for that to happen the home team bowlers will have to break the 210-run seventh- wicket partnership between Gupta and Sharma.
The two batsmen, both on their first-class debut, came to their side’s rescue after Punjab were down at 274 for 6 at one stage. The duo then stretched Punjab to 484 for six by stumps on the third day.
Resuming the day at the overnight score of 110 for 1, Punjab captain Jiwanjot Singh (59) and No. 4 batsman Anmolpreet Singh (50) made fifties, before off-spinner Gurvinder Singh (5/118) accounted for both the batsman.
Elsewhere in another Group D match in New Delhi, a five- for from off-spinner Aamir …read more