Sharandeep grinds out a half-century on a slow-moving opening day Premium

Jharkhand opener Sharandeep Singh shows patience and solid defense in slow-moving Ranji Trophy match against Delhi.

On a gloomy day in the national capital where play was affected by smog in the morning and bad light in the evening, Jharkhand opener Sharandeep Singh exhibited ample patience and a tight defence to compile an unbeaten 64.

He consumed 183 balls, making for a slow-moving opening day between Delhi and Jharkhand in a Group D Ranji Trophy tie at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.

At stumps, the visitor reached 136 for three in the 55 overs that were possible. Jharkhand could have been in a stronger position had left-hand batter Utkarsh Singh not flicked a half-volley on leg stump from Siddhant Sharma to Yash Dhull at square leg in the final session. He had batted well until then to make 46.

On a hazy morning that led to the start of play being delayed by two hours, Delhi elected to bowl.

With Simarjeet Singh back from injury and Money Grewal drafted into the playing XI, the host was relying on its pacers to exploit a pitch with a smattering of grass.

While Siddhant and Simarjeet shared the new ball, Grewal managed to provide the opening breakthrough early in his first spell.

Having denied Nazim a run off his bowling for 15 deliveries, Grewal was rewarded when he pitched the ball full and invited a lavish drive, inducing an outside edge that was snaffled by Himmat Singh at second slip.