Manav Suthar's Maiden First-Class Century Highlights Rajasthan's Fightback in Ranji Trophy
In a display of grit and determination, Manav Suthar, the fast-rising all-rounder from Rajasthan, scored his maiden First-Class hundred at the Anantam Ground in Jaipur on Saturday. Despite his heroic efforts, Himachal Pradesh managed to secure a crucial first-innings lead in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D encounter.
Suthar's Patient Knock of 120 Runs
The 23-year-old left-handed batter showcased immense patience and skill during his marathon innings. Facing 330 balls, Suthar compiled a steady 120 runs, hitting only 7 fours and 4 sixes. His innings was a testament to proper application and determination, qualities that were notably absent among the top-order batters of his team.
Under immense pressure, Suthar led Rajasthan's fightback from a precarious position of 115 for 6. He formed two crucial century partnerships that revived his team's hopes. First, he added 130 runs for the seventh wicket with Ajay Kookna, who contributed a valuable 55 off 120 balls. Later, he stitched together 101 runs for the eighth wicket with Amol Chelani, who scored 52 off 146 balls after coming in as a concussion substitute for the injured opener Shiva Chauhan.
Himachal Pradesh's Strong Position
Despite Suthar's fighting knock, Himachal Pradesh took a significant 64-run first innings lead. They then extended their overall advantage to 102 runs by reaching 33 for no loss at stumps on Day 3. Openers Innesh Mahajan (21*) and Ankush Bains (17*) looked positive in their approach, further solidifying Himachal's position in the match.
The home team, Rajasthan, which had been on the back foot for the first two days, showed resilience on the penultimate day. Suthar's leadership in the company of tailenders helped Rajasthan post a total of 342, a commendable recovery from their earlier struggles.
Bowling Performances and Match Summary
On the bowling front, left-arm spinner Aryaman Dhaliwal was the standout performer for Himachal Pradesh, claiming a five-wicket haul. Off-spinner Mukul Negi also made a significant impact, returning figures of 4 for 108. These efforts were crucial in restricting Rajasthan's batting lineup and maintaining Himachal's dominance in the match.
In the broader context, Suthar's all-round performance—having already taken three wickets in Himachal's first innings—further cements his reputation as one of India's most promising fast-rising all-rounders. His maiden century not only highlights his batting prowess but also underscores his value to the Rajasthan team in critical situations.
The match now heads into its final day with Himachal Pradesh holding a substantial lead, setting the stage for an intriguing conclusion to this Ranji Trophy Elite Group D fixture.
