In a display of classic First-Class cricket temperament, Delhi’s opening batter Sanat Sangwan showcased remarkable grit, scoring a crucial 99 runs off 230 deliveries against Pondicherry. His determined performance on the first day of the Elite Group-D Ranji Trophy match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium laid a vital foundation for the home team, who ended the day at 248 for six in 80 overs on a pitch that proved challenging for batters.
Sangwan found a strong ally in Sumit Mathur, who remained unbeaten on 49 at stumps. The pair forged a significant 106-run partnership, steadying Delhi’s innings.
Pondicherry’s medium-pacer Abin Mathew was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets. He notably denied Sangwan a well-deserved century late in the day, tempting the 25-year-old with a wide, full delivery that resulted in an outside edge.
After visiting captain Sagar Udeshi chose to bowl first, the opening session was dominated by the seamers. Gourav Yadav and Abin Mathew exploited the new ball’s movement, consistently testing Delhi’s top-order batsmen. Early in the innings, Arpit Rana fell leg-before to an inswinger from Mathew without scoring, setting a difficult tone.
While young Yash Dhull managed a couple of stylish boundaries through the off-side, his innings was cut short when an attempted cut off seamer Aman Khan went awry in the 19th over.
Sangwan, who took a cautious 36 balls to get off the mark, was strongly supported by debutant Priyansh Arya. The duo built a brisk 64-run partnership for the third wicket. Priyansh quickly demonstrated his aggressive style, a trait often seen in shorter formats, as he raced to 40 off just 28 balls, including two consecutive sixes off veteran off-spinner Jayant Yadav. However, Jayant soon outsmarted the southpaw, drawing him forward to beat his outside edge and secure a stumping.
Brief Scores:
Delhi — 1st Innings:
- Arpit Rana lbw b Mathew: 0
- Sanat Sangwan c Siddhaant b Mathew: 99
- Yash Dhull c Sidhaant b Aman: 19
- Priyansh Arya st Sidhaant b Jayant: 40
- Ayush Doseja c Rohera b Mathew: 17
- Sumit Mathur (batting): 49
- Anuj Rawat c sub (Premraj) b Jayant: 5
- Hrithik Shokeen (batting): 11
- Extras (b-4, lb-4): 8
- Total (for six wickets in 80 overs): 248
Fall of Wickets: 1-5, 2-30, 3-94, 4-123, 5-229, 6-236.
Pondicherry Bowling:
- Gourav: 9-3-20-0
- Mathew: 17-4-47-3
- Datey: 14-1-35-0
- Aman: 10-0-44-1
- Udeshi: 10-1-32-0
- Jayant: 20-4-62-2
Toss: Pondicherry elected to bowl.