Punjab declare at 240/6 as Hyderabad settle for Ranji Trophy draw

Hyderabad: There were no twists and turns on the final day as Punjab, after scoring 240 for six declared having taken a vital first innings lead of 51 runs, and Hyderabad agreed for a draw, minutes before the scheduled tea break in the four-day Ranji Trophy Elite Group B league match at Gymkhana Ground here on Thursday.

Resuming at the overnight score of 57 for no loss, Punjab opener Vihaan Malhotra, who was the star performer with the ball yesterday with a four-wicket haul, scored a fluent half-century (53, 119b, 4×4, 1×6) before Hyderabad captain and left-arm pacer Chama Milind cleaned up with a length ball which swung a bit late after the other pacer Rakshann Readdi induced a snick from Harnoor Singh (28, 78b, 2×4) to wicketkeeper.

At the other end, Prahbsimran Singh (68, 76b, 5×4, 4×6) was at his best with some breathtaking strokes – treating the spinners with disdain. He lofted Ruthik Mende over mid-on for a six, pulled and cover-drove to the fence in one over and later hit Anikethreddy for a straight six.

However, just when he threatened to score big, left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan  dismissed him.

Rakshaan, who bowled an impressive spell, came up with a beauty to beat Jashanpreet Singh all ends up to make it 172 for four on the stroke of lunch.

Anikethreddy, who was clearly below par today, had something to cheer dismissing first-innings centurion Salil Aro (0), caught behind and soon Tanay had Emanjot Singh Chahal (14) caught at slip to make it 209 for six in 67.6 overs.

And, whatever remote chances Hyderabad might have hoped for a miracle soon vanished with Punjab captain Uday Saharan (55 batting, 106b, 8×4, 1×6) batting beautifully.

Finally, Uday Sharan after animated discussions with his coach, decided in consultation with the Hyderabad team to call it a day.

Hyderabad now has 14 points and Punjab 13 from three games each.

The scores: Punjab 431 in 124.5 overs & 240/6 decl in 78 overs (Vihaan Malhotra 53, Prabhsimran Singh 68, Uday Sharan 55 n.o, Tanay Thyagarajan 2/51, Rakshann Readdi 2/16) drew with Hyderabad 380 in 119.5 overs.