Punjab v Jammu and Kashmir (Ranji North Zone)

Rajesh Arora, CricInfo
29 October - 1 November 1998

AMRITSAR - Former test player Vikram Rathour hit a brillant century for Punjab against Jammu and Kashmir on the opening day of their North Zone Ranji Trophy League fixture, played at Gandhi Ground, Amritsar here today.

Punjab won the toss and elected to bat first. Vikram Rathour and Navjot Singh Sidhu opened the innings for Punjab and added 97 runs for the first wicket. Navjot Singh Sindu was bowled by Pradeep Bali, trying to pull a short delivery, which kept lower than expected. On Sidhu's departure, Reetinder Sodhi joined Rathour. Consequently, Rathour went on the rampage, while Sodhi played the patient foil at the other end.

Rathour brought up his century in the 36th over by hitting a boundary off left arm spinner Pardeep Bali over mid-wicket. Rathour and Reetinder added 145 runs for second wicket.

At the close of play, Punjab were 247 runs for the loss of two wickets.

When he hit six over mid-wicket off Vijay Sharma, Vikram Rathour reached the landmark of 4000 runs in Ranji Trophy cricket. He is the only Punjab batsman to achieve this feat. This is his 55th Ranji match and 86th innings.

Navjot Singh Sidhu, on completing 24 runs, also joined the 3000-run club. He is the third Punjab batsman to do so, after Vikram Rathour and Gursharan Singh. This came in his 48th match.

Day 2 Report

AMRITSAR - At the close of the second day's play, Punjab were in a comfortable position to force Jammu and Kashmir to follow on in the North Zone Ranji Trophy leaque fixture, played at the Gandhi ground, Amritsar here today.

Overnight not-out batsman Reetinder Sodhi and Pankaj Dharmani added 49 runs for the 3rd wicket, when Sodhi was caught out off the bowling of Ashwani Gupta. He made 63 runs. Dinesh Mongia who replaced Sodhi could not stay long, and was out at the score of 317. Then Dharmani and Harminder Jugnu consolidated the innings and added 87 runs for the fifth wicket. Jugnu scored a brisk 52 runs which included six hits to fence.

Sandeep Sharma blasted the Jammu and Kashmir attack, and scored a quick fire 52 not out runs (62 balls). Vikram Rathore declared the Punjab innings at tea, at the score of 475 for the loss of 8 wickets. Surinder Singh of Jammu and Kashmir captured five wickets.

Replying to the big total, the Jammu and Kashmir batsmen were not comfortable against Punjab's bowling attack, and were four down for 49 runs at close of play. They now require another 227 runs to avoid the follow-on. Sanjay Sharma (4) and Vivek Singh (4) were at the crease.

Day 4 Report

Punjab posted a convincing innings and 183 runs victory over Jammu and Kashmir in their second North Zone Ranji league encounter, at the Gandhi Ground, Amritsar.

Jammu and Kashmir overnight batsman Vijay Sharma was in an attacking mood as he hit three boundaries as he moved on from 10 to 28. He was bowled by Navdeep Singh while trying to cut a slow delivery. The other batsmen caved in, and Jammu and Kashmir caved in after 25 minutes of play.

For Punjab, Navdeep Singh captured a career-best 6-55. Sandeep Sanwal claimed 2-38. Punjab has 16 points from their two matches, and will play Services next at Delhi.