Thakur rips through Bengal

NAGPUR: Shardul Thakur’s careerbest spell in First Class cricket helped Mumbai bundle out Bengal for 99 runs on day one of the Ranji Trophy Group A match on Tuesday.

After bowling out Bengal in 35.3 overs, Mumbai made 164 for five taking a 65 run lead at stumps on the opening day.

While Thakur stood out with the ball, opener Kaustubh Pawar scored a solid 78 off 112 balls. Three quick wickets towards the end of the day gave Bengal something to cheer about.

Earlier, Thakur made the ball talk ending with figures of 6 for 31. His new ball partner Dhawal Kulkarni took three wickets, giving Thakur good support.

DHAWAN FALLS

CHEAPLY ON DAY ONE CHENNAI: Delhi bowled out Vidarbha for 183 before Shikhar Dhawan lasted just nine balls on day one of the Group B Ranji Trophy match.

Dhawan, playing his second competitive game since recovering from a thumb injury, was dismissed for six runs just before close of play.

In response to Vidarbha’s 183, Delhi were 12 for one in three overs with captain Gautam Gambhir and night watchman Pradeep Sangwan in the middle.

With KL Rahul a doubtful starter for the fourth Test in Mumbai, Dhawan needs to be among the runs to stake a claim for the open ing spot in the Indian team.

Delhi opted to put Vidarbha in to bat on a greenish pitch.