TN bowlers struggle as Haryana crawl to 169-4 on day one

Chennai, Dec 9 (UNI) Haryana managed to keep the rival bowlers at bay plodding their way to 169 for four at stumps on the first day of the Elite Group A Ranji trophy cricket championship league outing at the M A Chidambaram stadium here today.

Sandeep Singh (18 not out) and Mahesh Rawat (15 not out) held on till close of play in an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 36 runs in 24.3 overs after Haryana lost four wickets for 133 runs.

Making first use of the wicket after winning the toss, Haryana's opening batsmen Sumit Sharma (23) and debutant Ankit Rawat (67) put on 52 runs for the first wicket in 27 overs. Tamil Nadu managed to draw first blood through debutant off-spinner R Ashwin who castled Sumit.

However, the Tamil Nadu bowlers failed to hustle the Haryana batsmen dispite getting Suny Singh for one. Left-hander Deepak Joon made 26 off 120 balls in 136 minutes and Rawat, who was holding one end up fell to a catch at gully off medium pacer Yo Mahesh(1-28) to see Haryana losing their fourth wicket. Ashwin was the most successful bowler for Tamil Nadu with 2 for 46 in 31 overs.

Brief Scores: Haryana 169-4 (Sumit Sharma 23, Ankit Rawat 67, Deepak Joon 26, R Ashwin 2-46, Yo Mahes 1-28).

UNI VV PM GC1803