Punjab score 220-6 despite two controversial dismissals

Mohali, Dec 9 (UNI) Despite two doubtful caught behind decisions by umpire S Dandapani, hosts Punjab scored 220 for 6 in their first innings against Mumbai on the first day of their four-day Elite Group B Ranji Trophy match at the PCA Stadium here today.

Opener Karan Goel, who had stitched together 83 runs with Ravneet Ricky (46) for the first wicket, was declared caught behind by Samant of the bowling of Wilkin Mota (1 for 55). While negotiating a Mota delivery, Karan Goel's bat was no where near the ball but the umpire's decision surprised every one. Karan made 38, including five fours in 95 balls.

The second controversial dismissal decision went against all-rounder Amit Uniyal (2). He was declared 'caught' behind by Samant of the bowling of Mandeep Mangela under similar situations.

At close Punjab wicketkeeper-batsman Pankaj Dharmani and Ishan Malhotra were batting on 67 and 22 respectively. Prolific Punjab batsman Dharmani has so far hit 10 fours of 117 deliveries while Ishal Malhotra's unbeaten 22 contained two fours. He also lofted Ramesh Powar over long-off for a huge six. This pair has so far contributed 28 runs for the unbroken seventh wicket stand. After Goel's disputed dismissal, three Punjab batsmen --- Gourav Gupta (8), Ravneet Ricky and Dinesh Mongia (0) returned to the pavilion at the score on 100. From 82 for no loss, Punjab were down 100 for 4 before Dharmani and Uday Kaul (25, 1x4) stemmed the rot by contributing 86 runs for the fifth wicket. They carried the total to 186 before Kaul departed, caught by Mota at short fine leg of the bowling of Mangela (2 for 46). Mumbai new ball bowler S Hazare bagged two wickets for 45 runs. Due to bad light the match was stopped 38 minutes before scheduled time.

SCOREBOARD Punjab (Ist innings): Ravneet Ricky c and b S Hazare 46 Karan Goel c Samant b Wilkin Mota 38 Gourav Gupta c Samant b Nilesh Kulkarni 8 Pankaj Dharmani batting 67 Dinesh Mongia c Samant b Hazare 0 Uday Kaul c Wilkin Mota b Mandeep Mangela 25 Amit Uniyal c Samant b Mandeep Mangela 2 Ishan Malhotra batting 22 Extras (bn 5 b 5, lb 2) 12 Total (for 6 wickets, 76 overs) 220 Fall of wickets: 1-83, 2-100, 3-100, 4-100, 5-186, 6-192.

Bowling: S Hazare 15-4-45-2 Mandeep Mangela 18-4-46-2 Wilkin Mota 14-2-55-1 Nilesh Kulkarni 13-5-22-1 Ramesh Powar 16-4-45-0.

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