Dharmani, Yuvraj help Punjab gain early advantage

In the absence of Ajit Agarkar, Sairaj Bahutule and Nilesh Kulkarni, Punjab took advantage of the depleted Mumbai attack to post 244 for four at stumps on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Punjab stumper Pankaj Dharmani (68) and Indian one day batsman Yuvraj Singh held centre stage as Mumbai were made to toil all day.

Mumbai's stand in skipper Amol Mazumdar won the toss and opted to put the opposition in. Punjab openers Vikram Rathour (14) and Ravneet Ricky (24) put up 32 runs on the board in 8.4 overs. But the experience of Paras Mhambrey prevailed and Rathour was bowled. Ankur Kakkar, playing just his second Ranji match, made his way to the crease. But just when a good partnership was developing between Kakkar and Ricky, left arm spinner Rajesh Powar trapped the Punjab opener leg before with the score at 58 in the 26th over.

Dharmani joined Kakkar and forged a sedate 78-run partnership for the third wicket on either side of the lunch break. Kakkar was unfortunate to miss out on his second half century in as many matches and was stumped by Amol Rane off Ramesh Powar in the 45th over. Kakkar (46) who was at the centre for 157 minutes faced 117 balls and four boundaries while managing to send one over the ropes.

Yuvraj Singh walked out to join Dharmani and before long took control of the proceedings. The two added 100 runs for the fourth wicket in 26 overs. The Mumbaikars sorely missed the experience of their front line bowlers on a day when the Punjab middle order was toying with the attack. During the course of the partnership, Dharmani reached his half-century, needing 97 balls to reach the mark. After toiling all through the afternoon, Mumbai were finally rewarded with the wicket of Dharmani. Mhambrey, who came back into the attack, trapped Dharmani leg before in the 72nd over of the innings. During a 179-minute stay at the crease, Dharmani faced 130 balls and hit eight fours and a six in his 68.

Punjab, who have been in such ominous form this season - they won all their five league games - were now helped along by Yuvraj Singh and Reetinder Sodhi (35 not out). Yuvraj Singh reached his fifty in due course, requiring just 73 balls. The two who have put on 63 runs for the fifth wicket so far ensured that Punjab suffered no further casualities. By close, Yuvraj was unbeaten on 86 (131 balls, 11 fours, one six).