Sonu Sharma leads Haryana fightback

A strong fight back from Haryana after they were dismissed were for 206 in their first innings saw them take an all important first innings lead against Orissa. 23 year old left arm spinner Sonu Sharma bowling the spell of his life captured 7/32 off 26.5 overs and scuttled out Orissa for just 165.

Resuming on a shaky 17 for 3, Orissa lost their way completely. Though Sonu Sharma did not pick up a wicket on the first day, he more than amply made up by dismissing the remaining seven Orissa batsmen. Sanjay Raul was the only batsman to offer any sort of resistance. Even Raul could manage just 51 before he was undone by the guiles of Sonu Sharma.

Though Raul's innings took 151 balls, it was studded with 9 boundaries.

The fact that Sonu Sharma got six of his seven wickets either LBW or bowled spoke a lot about the discipline with which he sent down his overs.

In response, Haryana were cautious. Playing out 25 overs and scoring just 93 runs, the visitors lost 3 wickets. At stumps, Jasvir Singh (32 not out) and I Gainda (4 not out) were at the crease.