Sachin's unbeaten ton relaxes Haryana against J

Jammu, Dec 1 (UNI) An unbeaten century from the bat of Haryana wicket-keeper Sachin Rana helped his side to a comfortable position as the visitors were at 247 for four against hosts Jammu and Kashmir at the close first day's play of the four day Ranji Trophy Plate Group B match being played here.

The wet outfield and hazy climate did not allow the match referee to permit the beginning of the match as it delayed for two hours from its schedule time and started at 1100 hrs.

On a bit foggy day, J&K won the toss and put the 'Haryanavis' to bat first. The host bowlers however, clicked early as skipper Vijay Sharma bowled speedy deliveries and pocketed three quick wickets thus putting the visitors in trouble.

However, Sumit Sharma and Sachin Rana for the third wicket-partnership scored 82 runs and stabilized the Haryana innings. The duo rotated the scoreboard with singles and doubles and kept punishing the J&K seamers.

Haryana lost its fourth wicket in the shape of Sumit Sharma, who looked quite confident on his individual 50 runs off 81 balls with eight boundaries. He was sent back by a Samiullah Beigh.

Meanwhile Sachin Rana, who stood by the side of outgoing batsman, was in good touch and accompanied by Sunil Vishwanathan, both the batsmen scored 102 runs for the fourth wicket partnership.

Sachin was unbeaten at 108 from 160 deliveries including 13 hits to the rope and two over the fence while Sunil was at 28 from 48 balls with two boundaries at the close of today's play.

J k skipper Vijay Sharma remained successful bowler of the day with three wickets as strike bowler samiullah managed one.

Scoreboard : Haryana (1st innings) Vishal Sahni b Vijay Sharma 23 Mithun Beerola c Ian Dev Singh b Vijay Sharma 0 Sunny Singh c Pradeep Bali b Vijay Sharma 14 Sumit Sharma b Samiullah Beigh 50 Sachin Rana batting 108 Sunil Vishwanathan batting 28 Extras: 24 (nb11, lb 4, wd 9) Total (in 57 overs) 247 for 4 Bowling (J&K) Vijay Sharma 17-2-50-3, Samiullah Beigh 16-2-61-1, Sameer Ali 8-0-36-0, Majid Dar 3-0-10-0, Sameer Khajuria 5-0-4-0, Pradeep Bali 8-1-36-0.

Fall of wickets: 1/5, 2/34, 3/54, 5/156.

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