Ranji Trophy: Bawne, Khurana tons help Maharashtra earn 3 points

Pune, Oct 4: Strokeful centuries from Ankit Bawne and Chiragh Khurana helped Maharashtra post a mammoth 570 for six at close of the fourth and final day's play to earn three points on the basis of first innings lead in the drawn Group A Ranji Trophy cricket match against Haryana here today.

Tournament schedule and guide

Responding to Haryana's 335 in the first innings, the Rohit Motwani-led Maharashtra had a mammoth 246-run 6th-wicket partnership between Bawne (172) and Khurana (136 not out) to enable a 235-run lead at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

In a match dominated by the bat, Haryana captain Virender Sehwag (92) started the run-scoring followed by a patient 157 from Himanshu Rana.

Maharashtra pacers Samad Fallah (3-78) and Nikit Dhumal (3-55) bagged three wickets apiece amidst the run feast.

But come the Maharashtra innings and the batsmen once again dominated proceedings as opener Swapnil Gugale struck a fluent 91 to give the hosts a solid start. Harshad Khadiwale (44) stood with Gugale to enable a 115-run opening stand.

Kedar Jadav also contributed with a quick 46 runs before Bawne and Khurana took centerstage. Medium-pacer Ashish Hooda and off-spinner Jayant Yadav bagged two wickets apiece.

Brief Scores: Haryana 1st innings: 335 all out Maharashtra 1st innings: 570/6 in 150 overs (Ankit Bawne 172, Chiragh Khurana 136 not out; Ashish Hooda 2-75, Jayant Yadav 2-175). Points - Maharashtra 3, Haryana 1.

PTI