Pankaj Singh Takes Four on Return as Rajasthan Skittle Haryana for 112
Pankaj Singh picked up four for 10 in 14.2 overs. Rajasthan were comfortably placed at 75 for one at the end of first day's play.
Skipper Pankaj Singh made a successful return to first-class cricket with a rich haul of 4/10 in only 14.2 overs as Rajasthan bowled out hosts Haryana for a paltry 112 in a Ranji Trophy Group A encounter, here on Monday. (Click here for latest Cricket stories)
The pacer, who last played for Rajasthan in April, was at his miserly best as only rival skipper Virender Sehwag (29) surpassed the 25-run mark. The others crossing the 20-run mark were the two Mohits -- Hooda and Sharma, who scored 22 and 23, respectively.
In reply, Rajasthan were comfortably placed at 75 for one as they batted at a time when the pitch eased out. Dogged opener Vineet Saxena was batting on 38 in company of Puneet Yadav, who is on 12.
Earlier, in the morning, Pankaj called correctly and made full use of the help that the seamers get from the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Stadium track.
Not only did Pankaj bowl miserly but save Sehwag, the other batsmen did not seem comfortable against Rajasthan seamers.
Rajat Bhatia (3/41) along with left-arm seamer Tanveer-ul Haq (2/31) also complemented their skipper well.
Brief Scores: Haryana 1st Innings 112 in 52.2 overs (Virender Sehwag 29, Pankaj Singh 4/10, Rajat Bhatia 3/41)
Rajasthan 75/1 in 26 overs (Vineet Saxena 38, Manender Singh 22).