Rajesh Puri slams unbeaten century

Faridabad: An unbeaten century by Rajesh Puri (107) enabled Haryana to pile up 261 for two in the first innings against Jammu and Kashmir at the close of day one in the opening four day Ranji Trophy league match played at the Nahar Singh Stadium here on Sunday.

The opening pair of Jatinder Singh (36) and Parender Sharma (79) put the hosts on a sound footing with their 80-run stand. Jatinder was caught at first slip by Ashwani Gupta off left arm spinner Sanjay Sharma. Parender Sharma and new batsman Rajesh Puri rotated the strike frequently and added 119 runs for second wicket in 134 minutes and 191 balls. Parender gave a return catch to Kanwaljeet while playing a casual shot with the total at 199.

Rajesh Puri was in attacking mood as he hit 13 boundries and two huge sixes in his unbeaten knock of 107 runs off just 142 balls. This was his 13th century in the national championship playing his 90th innings in his 62nd match. Veteran Amarjeet Kaypee (17*) joined Puri after the departure of skipper Sharma and was looking confident at stumps. Sanjay Sharma and Kanwaljeet Singh took a wicket each giving away 56 and 25 runs respectively.