Ranji Trophy 2012-13: Himachal in commanding position against Jharkhand

Ranchi: Fine centuries by Jharkhand`s Saurabh Tiwari and Himachal Pradesh`s Prasant Chopra were the highlights of the day as the visitors scored 201 for four in reply to the hosts` first innings total of 236 in their group C Ranji trophy tie on Monday.

Chopra, whose 101 was studded with 14 fours, put on a 154-run partnership with Akash Chopra (61) to take Himachal to a commanding position. Hemant Kumar (2) and Amit Kumar (5) are now batting at the crease. S S Rao took two wickets while Shahabaz Nadeem and Sunny Gupta took one wicket each for the hosts. Earlier resuming their overnight first innings score at 176/5, Jharkhand were bundled out for 236. Tiwari, who was at 65, completed his century with 12 hits to the boundary fours and one six and remained not out at 102. Himachal Pradesh`s Rishi Dhavan (6/63) and Vikramjit Malik (3/54) shared the wickets. Scores: Jharkhand Ist innings: 236 all out (Saurabh Tiwari 102 NO, Rishi Dhavan 6/63) Himachal Ist innings: 201/4 (Prashant Chopra 101, Akash Chopra 61, S S Rao 2/32). PTI