Ricky, Karan puts Punjab on top

Mohali, December 2 (UNI) Openers Ravneet Ricky (batting 142) and Karan Goel (95) put Punjab in a strong position as the hosts piled up 321 for two in their first innings against Gujarat on the second day of their four-day Elite Group B match in the Ranji Trophy Championship at the PCA Stadium here today.

Punjab have got a leadof 113 with eight wickets in hand.

A solid 179-run partnership for the opening wicket stand had placed Punjab in the driver's seat. Resuming at their overnight score of 25 for no loss in reply to Gujarat's first innings score of 208, Ricky and Karan applied themselves and played with determination.

Ricky, completed his 10th century while playing his 52nd match and 81st innings. So far Ricky has executed 12 fours and one six in 321 balls. He complied his unbeaten knock in 421 minutes.

The other opener Karan was unlucky to miss century by just five runs. Karan was caught by Nilesh Modi of the bowling of H Majumdar (2 for 70) who broke this partnership. Goel reached the fence 13 times and hit a huge six during the 245-minute stay at the wicket.

He faced 174 deliveries Manish Sharma (30, 5x4s) joined Ricky and the second wicket association yielded 69 runs before Manish was caught at deep square leg by Amit Singh. The wicket fell at 248 and Manish hit five fours of 59 deliveries.

At close, giving Ricky company was Gourav Gupta (32, 3x4s). They have so far realised 73 runs for the unbroken third wicket stand.

SCOREBOARD Gujarat (Ist innings): 208 Niraj Patel 29, Bhavik Thakar 85, Hemal Watekar 24, Love Ablish 5 for 40, Ishan Majumdar 2 for 50).

Punjab (Ist innings, overnight 25 for no loss) Ravneet Ricky batting 142 Karan Goel c Nilesh Modi b Hitesh Majumdar 95 Manish Sharma c Amit Singh b Majumdar 30 Gourav Gupta batting 32 Extras (nb 18, lb 4) 22 Total (for 2 wickets in 102 overs) 321 Fall of wickets: 1-179, 2-248 Bowling: A Makda 21-3-48-0 H Majumdar 17-0-70-2 Amit Singh 23-5-69-0 Kirat Damani 11-2-31-0 Timil Patel 19-2-65-0 H Watekar 11-0-34-0.

UNI XC DP DH VV1848