Ranji Trophy 2015-16: Priyank Panchal’s ton propels Gujarat to 290/3 against Punjab on Day 1

Ranji Trophy 2015-16: Priyank Panchal's ton propels Gujarat to 290/3 against Punjab on Day 1

Mohali: Opener Priyank Panchal hit his fourth first class hundred to lead Gujarat to solid 290 for three against hosts Punjab on the opening day of their Group B Ranji Trophy match on Wednesday. Nothing went right for Punjab except winning the toss as their bowlers toiled hard all day without much success. Gujarat openers Panchal (105) and Samit Gohel (54) put on 117 after being invited to bat and the following batsmen carried forward their good work. The opening stand was broken when Gohel was run out. Bhargav Merai (29) was dismissed by Yuvraj Singh but skipper Parthiv Patel (41 batting) and y Venugopal Rap (40 batting) ensured that Gujarat build on the good start. By the stumps they have put on an unbeaten 69-run stand for the fourth wicket. Panchal was dismissed by Brainder Sran but not before hitting 15 boundaries in his knock that came off 202 balls. UPDATES: Punjab vs Guajarat, Ranji Trophy 2015-16, Group B match, Day 1 at Mohali

Punjab have played two matches so far and have seven points from them having won and lost one match each. Gujarat on the other hand have played only one match which they were able to draw, they have just one point. People may be thinking that Punjab may have an edge in this game since they had convincingly won one of their previous two matches of the tournament. However, what needs to be understood here is that the first match that they won was against a weak team— Railways. They lost their next match against Mumbai which is considered a very good Ranji team.

Brief Scores:

Gujarat 290 for 3 in 85 overs (Priyank Panchal 105, S Gohel 54; Yuvraj Singh 1 for 17).