Hyderabad reply strong after Siraj’s four-wicket haul against Chattisgarh

Mohd Siraj’s four-wicket burst reduced Chattisgarh to 58 for five before a 183-run stand revived the innings. Chattisgarh posted 283, but Hyderabad replied strongly with openers P Aman Rao and Abhirath Reddy guiding the team to 56 without loss.=

Hyderabad: Hyderabad was off to a solid start, scoring 56 for no loss in reply to Chattisgarh’s 283 in the first innings on the opening day of the four-day Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match at Gymkhana Ground here on Thursday.

Earlier, opting to bat, Chattisgarh was rocked by an impressive spell from India fast bowler and Hyderabad captain Mohd Siraj, which left it reeling at 58 for five in 22.1 overs.

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The day began on a dismal note for Chattisgarh with in-form opener Aayush Pandey (11) being run out by G Anikethreddy in the sixth over.

Then, Siraj struck two quick blows, removing Anuj Tiwary (4) and trapping Sanjeet Desai (1) lbw. Soon, part-time spinner K Himateja dismissed captain Amandeep Khare (16) to make it 50 for four in 18.5 overs.

Left-arm spinner G Anikethreddy chipped in with the wicket of wicketkeeper-batter Mayank Verma (3) to make it 58 for five in the 23rd over.

Chattisgarh fought back through a stand of 183 runs between Vikalp Tiwari (94, 143b, 13×4) and Prateek Yadav (106, 99b, 10×4, 4×6) for the sixth wicket before Siraj removed the former to make it 241 for six.

After that crucial blow, Chattisgarh lost wickets at regular intervals and posted 283 in the first innings, with Siraj (four for 56) and pacer Rakshan Readdi (two for 28) being the main wicket-takers, while the left-arm spin duo of Tanay Thyagarajan and G Anikethreddy was expensive and picked one wicket apiece.

In reply, openers P Aman Rao (32 batting, 53b, 4×4, 1×6) and Abhirath Reddy (23 batting, 37b, 4×4) batted well to ensure there were no setbacks.

The scores: Day 1: Chattisgarh 283 in 72.3 overs (Vikalp Tiwari 94, Prateek Yadav 106, Mohd Siraj 4/56, Rakshan Readdi 2/28) vs Hyderabad 56/0 in 15 overs (P Aman Rao 32 batting, Abhirath Reddy 23 batting).