Ranji Trophy: Rajasthan bowlers leave Punjab in dire straits

Jaipur: Punjab were fighting with their back to the wall against a fine bowling by Rajasthan, who had the visitors reeling at 85 for three in their second innings after asking them to follow on in their Ranji Trophy Group B cricket match at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here today.

In reply to the Rajasthan's first innings total of 433, Punjab resumed their first essay at 140 for five today, but despite valiant half-centuries from Gurkeerat Mann (85) and Gitansh Khera (64), the visitors folded for 275.

The host bowlers wreaked havoc as Aniket Choudhary (4/57) and Pankaj Singh (3/83) shared seven wickets between them, while Deepak Chahar picked two for 65 and debutant Tanveer Ul Haq grabbed one for 50.

Forced to follow-on, Punjab lost three wickets in the last session to find themselves in dire straits. At the close of play, Taruvar Kohli (34) and Yuvraj Singh (12) at the crease.

Rajasthan's Pankaj Singh (2/23) struck twice and Aniket Choudhary (1/15) once in Punjab's second innings.

Punjab still trail by 73 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Brief scores:

Rajasthan 1st innings: 433

Punjab: 275 & 85 for three in 28 overs (Taruwar Kohli 34 not out, Pankaj Singh 2/23).