Dharmani hits unbeaten 202

Mohali, November 1: Pankaj Dharmani smashed an unbeaten 202 before Punjab declared their first innings at 533 for six one hour before tea to be sitting pretty at close of play on the second day of their second Ranji Trophy league match here on Monday. By stumps, Punjab sent back four Services batsmen for 76.

Punjab resumed at 334 for four. Dharmani who was unbeaten with 106 completed his double century. He was playing the 46th innings and his 35th match. This was his third double century. His unbeaten 202 came off 384 balls and consisted of 25 boundaries and a six. He was at the crease for 490 minutes. The other overnight batsman Sanjay Kumar missed his half century by three runs, being unlucky to be run out due to a mix up as Dharmani after calling a run sent him back. Sanjay scored 47 off 99 balls with the help of six hits to the fence. This pair added 103 runs for the fifth wicket off 173 balls.

At the fall of Sanjay's wicket, Sandeep Sharma joined Dharmani and played a attacking knock. He smashed the bowling to all parts of the ground. His 65 came off 85 balls and included six boundaries and a six off right arm medium pacer Javed. He was bowled while trying a big heave off the same bowler. Sandeep Sharma and Dharmani added 115 runs for sixth wicket off 202 balls.

Chasing a big total, Services started badly. Their first wicket fell at 23 when Narender Singh (14) was caught by R.P.Singh off Sandeep Sharma. Skipper Sanjay Verma (17) was the next to depart as he was caught at silly point by Mongia off Sandeep Sharma. Abu Eric(11) and Thomson (11) did not contribute much and threw away their wickets. Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers getting two wickets for 17 runs.