Hyderabad, Oct 16 (PTI): In a display of dominant batting that took full advantage of a placid pitch, young opener Sanat Sangwan and debutante Ayush Doseja crafted impressive double centuries for Delhi against Hyderabad in their Ranji Trophy Group D match. Sangwan remained unbeaten at 211, while Doseja scored an assertive 209 as Delhi declared their innings at an imposing 529 for four on the second day of play.
Hyderabad launched their response with confidence, reaching 77 for one in 17 overs. Veteran opener Tanmay Agarwal, on 27, is looking steady at the crease after his partner Rahul Singh fell leg-before-wicket for 35, dismissed by Delhi's captain Ayush Badoni.
The standout performances came from Sangwan and Doseja, two left-handers who featured in a magnificent 319-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The pair came together when their team was at a precarious 113 for three. Sangwan demonstrated a traditional approach, playing 470 deliveries with care and patience, while Doseja was more aggressive, completing his innings off 279 balls.
Delhi's top-order has been inconsistent in recent years, but this 300-run stand between the two southpaws was noteworthy, as both recorded their maiden first-class centuries. They began the day with Sangwan just nine runs short of the milestone and Doseja needing merely three more runs to reach his hundred.
Despite the presence of Priyansh Arya, a young IPL sensation and recent century-maker for India A, it was crucial for Sangwan to perform strongly after the failure of fellow opener Arpit Rana, whose presence in the squad is under scrutiny. Sangwan's knock included 21 fours and three sixes, while Doseja delighted with 25 fours and five sixes.
The pitch at the Next-Gen cricket ground proved unhelpful for the bowlers, with Hyderabad's attack enduring a tough time against the disciplined and powerful batting. Even Hyderabad skipper Tilak Varma had to roll his arm over with some off-spin, preparing to depart for Australia after this match. Doseja was particularly harsh on left-arm spinner Gangam Anikethreddy, striking him for 11 fours and two sixes, hitting over long-on, long-off, and mid-wicket.
Judging by the conditions, this game might just pivot on a single innings unless the Hyderabad batters dramatically collapse.
Mumbai Eyes First Innings Lead Despite Dogra’s Century
In another Group D clash in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir's resilient veteran Paras Dogra played an admirable captain's knock, remaining unbeaten on 112. However, Mumbai, considered title contenders, remain in a strong position to claim a first innings lead.
Mumbai wrapped up their first innings with 386 runs, with seamer Yudhvir Singh picking up five wickets for 96 runs, cutting short Shams Mulani’s effort at 91. Jammu and Kashmir concluded day two on 273 for seven, recovering from a precarious 166 for six. Dogra featured in useful partnerships, adding 68 runs with Abid Mushtaq (40) for the seventh wicket and building a 39-run unbeaten stand with Aqib Nabi (15 not out) for the eighth.
Brief Scores:
At Hyderabad: Delhi 529/4 decl (Sanat Sangwan 211 not out, Ayush Doseja 209 not out). Hyderabad 77/1.
At Srinagar: Mumbai 386 (Siddhesh Lad 116, Shams Mulani 91, Yudhvir Singh 5/91). J&K 273/7 (Paras Dogra 112 batting, Tushar Deshpande 2/34).
At Puducherry: Himachal Pradesh 305 (Mayank Dagar 83, Sagar Udeshi 7/88). Puducherry 96/8 (Mayank Dagar 3/30).
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