Ranji Trophy: Assam on verge of innings lead Rishav Das, Gokul Sarma hit tons with 256-run partnership

Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Rode on two scintillating tons from Rishav Das and Gokul Sarma, Assam ruled the Day III of Ranji Trophy cricket tie against Delhi and reached close to earn a crucial first innings lead at the ACA stadium here today. In reply to Delhi's first innings total 439, Assam were 435-8 at stumps and needed only five runs to cross Delhi's first innings total.

The one point that was discussed throughout the day at the ACA Stadium was the batting of Assam which showed a lot of maturity. Both overnight batsmen Rishav and Gokul completed centuries and their fifth-wicket partnership produced a huge 256 runs. The lower order was also equally contributed. The ninth wicket partnership between Mukhtar Hussain and Siddharth Sarmah already added unbeaten 57 runs which helped them to reach close to Delhi's first innings total.

Assam started the day's proceeding from their overnight score 158-4. Both overnight batsmen Gokul and Rishav settled at the wicket very quickly and started to dominate over the bowlers. It was Rishav who first completed his century. The batter picked up the third first class hundred of his career and also betters his highest score before getting out 160 giving a catch to substitute fielder Lalit Yadav of the bowling of Simarjeet Singh. There were 21 boundaries and one six in the innings.

After his departure, Gokul took the entire responsibility on his shoulder to take forward Assam innings and he got good support from the lower order. Gokul faced 299 balls in his innings to score 140 runs, most of them came through third man and fine leg region, with the help of 20 boundaries, It was his 8th first class century.

Meanwhile, Avishek Thakuri today brought into the playing XI in place of Rahul Hazarika as per concussion Substitute Rule. Rahul got injured on his head on Day II at the time of batting and he left the ground immediately. The batter, scored 10, started very well and one time gave good support to Gokul before getting out off a beautiful delivery from Anuj Rawat. The other batter Assam lost today was Akash Sengupta (9).

Mukhtar and Siddharth joined the wicket at the departure of Gokul when the score was 378 and both the batters showed great determination and passion to upset the opponent bowlers. They already put on unbeaten 57 runs from 94 balls for the 9th wicket and only a single of them came from extra. Mukhtar faced 54 balls to score 40 (no) and Siddharth took his score to 16 (no) from 44 balls.

Among the bowlers of Delhi Harshit Rana (3-86) and Pranshu Vijayran (3-82) were the most successful.

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