Published: Dec 15, 2018, 07:28 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 15, 2018, 07:27 PM (IST)
Century from captain Rajat Paliwal and a patient fifty from opener Navneet Singh have put Services in the lead against Assam on the second day of their Ranji Trophy 2018-19, Elite C, Round 6 at the Palam A Stadium in Delhi.
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After Assam were bowled out for 211, an addition of just 21 runs to their overnight tally of 190/7, Ranjit Mali struck in successive overs to giving his team two early breakthroughs. He first had opener Nakul Harpal Verma caught for 5 and then accepted a return catch to send back Ravi Chauhan for a two-ball duck, leaving Services struggling at 8/2 in 6.2 overs.
From thereon, Paliwal and opener Navneet took over as they saw off the nervy phase before taking control of the proceedings.
From a tricky spot, they stonewalled Assam bowlers to help Services to 213/2 in 73 overs by the time the day’s play came to an end. Paliwal was unbeaten on 104 while Navneet was on 74.
It was Paliwal’s 14th hundred of first-class career and first of the ongoing season. He was out for 94 in his last innings, against Goa, but went on to complete his ton this time around.
The duo ensured a day of toil of Assam bowlers after they had tasted early success. While Paliwal has consumed 195 deliveries so far, Navneet has faced 229 deliveries.
Assam’s innings came to an quick end on the second morning with Sachidanand Pandey completing his five-wicket haul, third of first-class career, by removing Amit Sinha (56) and Mukhtar Hussain (7), recording figures of 5/74. Diwesh Pathania removed the last man Mrinmoy Dutta for a first-ball duck to finish with 3/75.
Services have taken a lead of two runs with eight wickets remaining.
Brief Scores Services: 213/2 (Rajat Paliwal 104*, Navneet Singh 74; Ranjit Mali 2/33) lead Assam (Amit Sinha 56; Sachidanand Pandey 5/74) by two runs
