Himmat powers Delhi to 336/5 against Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Nov. 25: Young batsman Himmat Singh missed out on his maiden first class hundred after being run out on 99 but strong batting throughout helped Delhi reach a strong 336 for five against Hyderabad on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Group ‘A’ match, here on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Himmat, playing only his second first class game, provided solidity to the Delhi innings with his his brilliant batting at number four but was run out going for the milestone.

His 99 came off 151 balls and he hit 15 shots to the fence during his three hour and 27 minute stay at the crease.

Also scoring half-centuries were openers Kunal Chandela (64) and Lalit Yadav, who was unbeaten on 62 at stumps on Day One of the contest.

Gautam Gambhir scored a quick-fire 33 with seven boundaries before being caught and bowled by leftarm spinner Mehdi Hasan, who also trapped Chandela later in the innings.

Talented Rishabh Pant had a disappointing outing as he managed only 16 runs when the stage was set to dominate the home bowlers.

Dharam Shorey (32) also got a start but could not convert it into a big knock. He was cleaned up by offspinner P. Sairam.

At stumps, Manan Sharma (16) was giving company to Yadav.

Shreevats Goswami and Anustup Majumdar struck sublime centuries to help Bengal wriggle out from a poor start and reach 305 for five on Day One of their Group ‘D’ game against Goa at Kolkata.

Lakshay Garg (2/55) rattled Bengal’s top order by removing Sudip Chatterjee (1) and captain Manoj Tiwary (0) in successive overs. — PTI