Gujarat-Punjab Ranji Match 2016

The much awaited Ranji Trophy match between Gujarat and Punjab started on Tuesday at Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) stadium Belagavi.

Ranji trophy match is being held after a gap of 16 long years in Belagavi. But this wait was worthy as the facilities provided by KSCA officials of Dharwad zone were of appreciative. All the players of both the teams were happy with the facilities provided by the local authorities.

At the end of first day Gujrat were firmly placed at 281 runs for the loss of only two wickets against Punjab. The star performer for them today was Priyank Panchal who scored a patient unbeaten century scoring 134 runs of 252 deliveries with 12 fours. Captain of Punjab Gurkeerat Maan won the toss and put Gujrat to bat first. Medium pacer Manpreet Gony struck with the wicket of Sumit Gohil in the 5th over of the innings. Sumit scored 16 runs. But the inform Priyank Panchal who already scored a double hundred in his last outing against formidable Mumbai studied the ship with Bhargav with a solid stand of 172 runs for second wicket. Sandeep Sharma picked up Bhargav Merai LBW for 65 runs. He faced 133 balls. After losing Bhargav, Priyank in company of Rujul Bhatt took their team total to 281 runs for loss of two wickets by the end of first day’s play. Rujul Bhatt remained unbeaten on 55 runs of 102 deliveries with 7 fours. Priyank and Rujul have already added 111 runs for third wicket. This was 3rd century of the season and 9th century of Priyank in his first class career.

The wicket turned out to be batting beauty as it turned to a flat wicket after initial help to the fast bowlers. Priyank and Bhargav negated the new ball with ease. Punjab team has to pull up their socks to make come back in this game. They have taken the new ball immediately after 80 over’s. They have to make it count in morning session tomorrow.