Ranji Trophy 2012: Jharkhand 176/5 against Himachal in Ranji tie

Ranchi: A brilliant unbeaten 120-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Saurabh Tiwary and Sunny Gupta helped Jharkhand reach 176 for five in their first innings on the first day against Himachal Pradesh in a group C Ranji Trophy tie here today.

Tiwary (65 not out) and Sunny Gupta (58 not out), who came together when the home team`s score read 56 for five, played cautiously before they unleashed some delightful strokes on the newly laid pitch at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium here. While Tiwary hit six boundaries and one six, Gupta`s innings was studded with three sixes and four boundaries. Pacers Rishidhavan (3/32) and Vikramjit Malik (2/28) were the most successful bowlers. All their scalps were taken before the lunch break. Brief scores: Jharkhand Ist Innings: S Tiwari 65 not out, Sunny Gupta 58 not out, Kumar Deobrat (17), Rishidhavan (3/32) and Vikramjit Malik (2/28). PTI