The first day of the Ranji Trophy Group B match between Punjab and Kerala, held at the PCA New Cricket Stadium, Ground B in New Chandigarh, witnessed a masterclass in resilience from Harnoor Singh Pannu. His unbeaten 126 runs off 258 balls, including 11 boundaries, marked his maiden first-class century and was instrumental in steadying Punjab’s innings amidst a significant batting collapse.
At a precarious 152 for five, having lost four quick wickets for just 24 runs, Pannu kept his composure. He strategically built a crucial 74-run partnership with Salil Arora, ultimately guiding Punjab to a respectable 240 for six by the close of play.
From the outset, with spin introduced as early as the fifth over, Pannu adopted a cautious approach, focusing on accumulating singles. He and Prabhsimran Singh established a solid 52-run opening stand before Prabhsimran was dismissed, attempting a paddle sweep off B. Aparajith, which resulted in the ball dislodging the bails via his gloves.
Pannu then joined forces with Uday Saharan for the second wicket, and together they batted with a singular focus on stonewalling the bowlers. Their 86-run partnership consumed 217 deliveries, spanning both sides of the lunch break, highlighting their commitment to wearing down the opposition.
However, this attritional strategy seemed to backfire as Punjab’s middle-order batsmen fell victim to impulsive decisions, allowing Kerala to regain control. Naman Dhir and Anmolpreet Singh both edged deliveries outside the off-stump line, falling to N. Basil. Ramandeep Singh then attempted to clear mid-on against Ankit Sharma but mistimed his shot, finding the fielder.
This brief slump saw Punjab add only 52 runs in 24 overs during the second session. Yet, Pannu remained unfazed, showcasing a solid front-footed defense. He also expertly maneuvered into his crease, hitting two boundaries with well-timed cuts against Ankit, with the second shot bringing up his century off 207 balls.
The day could have taken a different turn had Pannu not been dropped at mid-off when he was on 93, off the bowling of Nidheesh. Salil Arora provided much-needed stability at the other end, but his resistance ended when he was trapped leg before wicket by Aparajith while attempting a sweep in the penultimate over.
Despite the late wicket, Pannu’s enduring presence at the crease leaves Punjab with a strong opportunity to further bolster their total on the second day.
**Scoreboard: Punjab — 1st innings:**
Harnoor Singh Pannu (batting) 126, Prabhsimran Singh b Aparajith 23, Uday Saharan b Ankit 37, Anmolpreet Singh c Azharuddeen b Basil 1, Naman Dhir c Azharuddeen b Basil 1, Ramandeep Singh c Kunnummal b Ankit 6, Salil Arora lbw b Aparajith 36, Krish Bhagat (batting) 2; Extras (b-4, lb-4): 8; Total (for six wkts. in 87 overs): 240.
**Fall of wickets:** 1-52, 2-138, 3-141, 4-147, 5-162, 6-236.
**Kerala bowling:** Nidheesh 14-2-38-0, Basil 18-3-44-2, Ankit 23-3-63-2, Akshay 10-0-28-0, Aparajith 19-1-48-2, Imran 3-0-11-0.
**Toss:** Punjab.