PANAJI
Punjab dominated the proceedings with captain Jiwanjot Singh scoring an unbeaten double-century, on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Group D match against Goa at Porvorim on Tuesday. The visitors were 396/2 at stumps.
Jiwanjot is not out on 215 runs of 272 deliveries, which comprised some glorious shots with 26 boundaries and one sixer, illuminating
his knock.
Up-and-coming young Punjab batsman Anmolpreet Singh scored his first First-Class century in what was the 19-year-old right-hander's second match of his Ranji Trophy career.
He had scored 50 runs in his debut inning against Himachal Pradesh, earlier this month. Anmolpreet is unbeaten on 103 runs off 149 balls, and has hit 11 boundaries and two sixers.
Earlier, Punjab overcame the first-over loss of Manan Vohra with Jiwanjot and Uday Kaul putting on a partnership of 160 runs. The hosts had tasted success in the opening over of the match with right-arm medium pacer Rituraj Singh getting the wicket of Vohra (0) caught by wicket-keeper Samar Dubashi, after Punjab had elected
to bat.
Thereafter, Jiwanjot and Uday played cautiously and built a solid platform for the visitors, to make a big score as the pitch looked a good surface to bat on. Goa on their part, missed a couple of catching opportunities.
Punjab were 124/1 at lunch with captain and opener Jiwanjot not out on 72. Uday Kaul was unbeaten at the other end with 50 runs against his name. The no.3 batsman was however, dismissed on 66 when Rituraj Singh had him caught by wicket-keeper Dubashi. Anmolpreet then combined with his captain in the centre, and the duo have put on 236 runs in
44.4 overs.
Goa's bowlers had a forgettable outing with only Rituraj tasting success with both wickets to fall, to his name. Off-spinner Amit Yadav was the most expensive bowler giving away 114 runs
in 26 overs.
