Unbeaten double century by Parender Sharma

Skipper Parender Sharma spearheaded Haryana's run spree on the second day of their North Zone Ranji Trophy league match against Himachal Pradesh at Mandi on Saturday. The 27-year-old right hander slammed an unbeaten 207 as he steered Haryana, who resumed at 240 for three, to a total of 457 for five declared. In reply Himachal Pradesh were 34 for no loss at close of play.

Parender Sharma and Rajesh Puri (55) took their overnight fourth wicket stand to 129 runs off 45 overs before the latter was out. He faced 119 balls and hit eight fours. Parender Sharma then found another able partner in Sanjay Dalal (61) with whom he added 168 runs for the fifth wicket off 48 overs. At the declaration, Sharma who had batted 490 minutes, had faced 381 balls and hit 23 fours and a six. Rajinder Thakur took three of the wickets that fell but conceded 103 runs from 36 overs in the process.

Himachal openers Arun Verma (17) and Nischal Gaur (12) batted through safely for about an hour and 13.4 overs before bad light stopped play, 47 minutes early.