Rajasthan quickly in command

Jaipur: Rajasthan were well placed at stumps on the first day of their Central Zone Ranji Trophy league match against Vidarbha here on Thursday.

Rajasthan, after putting Vidarbha in to bat dismissed them for 163 runs in under 50 overs with former Indian seam bowler Sanjeev Sharma being the most successful bowler with four for 56. Sharma who had a long career with Delhi is turning out for Rajasthan as a professional this season. He played the last of his two Tests for India in England in 1990. Vidarbha in fact faltered after a first wicket partnership of 81 runs in 17 overs between PH Sutane (54) and AV Deshpande (29). By close of play Rajasthan were well on their way to taking a big lead with a score of 114 for two. After two wickets fell for 36 runs, AS Jain (72) and Ajay Mehra (27) shared an unbroken third wicket partnership of 78 runs in 31 overs.

Vidarbha 163 in 49.4 overs (PH Sutane 54, Sanjeev Sharma 4 for 56). Rajasthan 114 for 2 in 40 overs (AS Jain 72 not out)