Ranji Trophy: Hyderabad bowled out for 380 as Punjab take crucial lead

Rahul Radesh, K Himateja and Sai Pragnay Reddy scored fighting half-centuries, but Hyderabad were bowled out for 380 against Punjab in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match. Vihaan Malhotra took four wickets as Punjab built a 108-run lead

Hyderabad: Hyderabad conceded a crucial first-innings lead to Punjab on the third day of their four-day Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match at Gymkhana Ground on Wednesday, despite fighting knocks from top-order batters Rahul Radesh (86, 195b, 9×4), K Himateja (81, 168b, 5×4, 3×6) and Sai Pragnay Reddy (65, 106b, 4×4, 4×6).

Off-spinner Vihaan Malhotra (6-0-15-4) triggered a collapse after Punjab took the second new ball at 307 for four in the 94th over, leaving Hyderabad all out for 380 in 119.5 overs.

Resuming at their overnight score of 193 for two, Hyderabad appeared well placed to take the lead but lost wickets at regular intervals.

Left-hander Rahul Radesh paid the price for a cautious approach as he allowed the spinners to dominate. He was eventually dismissed while attempting to cut off-spinner Harjas Singh Tandon, only to be caught behind.

A confident A Varun Goud (25, 55b, 1×4) was then adjudged leg-before-wicket to Harjas Singh Tandon, leaving Hyderabad at 279 for four.

At the other end, K Himateja played a composed and calculated innings, frequently stepping out to attack the spinners.

Just when Himateja appeared set to score his second century of the season, he was adjudged lbw to Vihaan, making it 343 for five in 105.2 overs.

A first-innings lead was still within reach, but Hyderabad’s hopes suffered a major blow when Vihaan dismissed captain Chama Milind (2), Tanay Thyagarajan (2) and Anikethreddy (1) in quick succession during a decisive post-lunch spell.

Left-arm spinner Emanjot Singh Chahal provided excellent support to Vihaan.

At the other end, Sai Pragnay Reddy continued to attack despite wickets falling regularly. However, when Emanjot switched ends and induced Pragnay into a lofted shot that went straight to long-on, Hyderabad’s innings came to an end.

In reply, Punjab reached 57 without loss in 24 overs at stumps, extending its overall lead to 108 runs.

The scores: Punjab 431 in 124.5 overs and 57/0 in 24 overs (Harnoor Singh 27 not out, Vihaan Malhotra 26 not out) vs Hyderabad 380 in 119.5 overs (Rahul Radesh 86, K Himateja 81, Sai Pragnay Reddy 65; Emanjot Singh Chahal 2/86, Harjas Singh Tandon 2/85, Vihaan Malhotra 4/15).