Navdeep Saini (PC: Twitter)
The Duleep Trophy 2022 saw action continue between four different zones as they fought to confirm their spot in the finals. Here is a brief report of the action which transpired on Day 1 at M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai and Cricket Association Puducherry Ground 2, Puducherry.
After North East Zone won the toss and opted to field, the incessant rain in Chennai forced the players to remain indoors for the entire first session.
The proficient opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Prithvi Shaw provided a brisk start to the West Zone in the second session by accumulating 51 runs in 10 overs.
The bowling unit could not make a comeback in the latter half either, as the talented duo continued their momentum to end Day 1 on 116/0 in 25 overs.
Brief Scores:
West Zone- 116/0 (25)
Yashasvi Jaiswal 55*(84), Prithvi Shaw 61* (66);
Dippu Sangma 0/19
Sudip Gharami and Anustup Majumdar (PC: Twitter)
This fixture also witnessed a delayed start due to relentless rain in Puducherry. The action resumed after a brief hiatus. Although Riyan Parag (8) started on a good note, the experienced Navdeep Saini outfoxed him in the fourth over.
However, the seasoned batters Sudip Gharami and Anustup Majumdar steered the team on a bright note. They added 79 runs for the second wicket, before Siddarth Kaul sent Majumdar (47) back into the hut.
Arriving at number four, Virat Singh supported the team well. It was the batting all-rounder Himanshu Rana, who got better of Gharami (68).
Until the end of Day 1's play, East Zone are at 179/3, with Singh unbeaten on 43, and Manoj Tiwari at 9*.
Brief Scores:
East Zone- 179/3 (54)
Sudip Gharami 68 (137), Anustup Majumdar 47 (64);
Siddarth Kaul 1/41, Navdeep Saini 1/41
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