Nitin Saini strikes ton in Haryana`s 247 all out in Ranji Trophy

Rohtak: Wicket-keeper Nitin Saini (109) smashed his fifth first class century to stand tall amid ruins as Haryana were all out for 247 against Karnataka on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Group A match, here on Friday.

It was a listless batting show by most of the Haryana batsmen as only Sachin Rana (36) and Avi Barot (35) resisted the Karnataka attack apart from Saini. Saini some how managed to completed his century and was the last man out. He faced 152 balls for his 109-run knock which was studded with 14 boundaries, including three sixes. Stuart Binny scalped three batsmen at the expense of 43 runs while Abhimanyu Mithun (2/40), HS Sharath (2/68) and Ronit More (2/57) claimed two wickets each. Karanata were 18 for no loss in reply, with Mayank Agarwal (3) and Lokesh Rahul (10) at the crease. It was Binny, who drew the first blood for Karnataka when he broke the 53-run stand between skipper Rahul Dewan (23) and Avi Barot. Binny castled Barot and Sharath had the rival skipper caught behind after dismissing Sunny Singh (1). More bowled Y Tomar and in no time the hosts were 104 for four from 53 for none. Rana and Saini then added 72 runs for the fifth wicket and when that stand was broken by Mithun, Haryana batsmen struggled to stay at the crease. Brief Scores: Haryana 1st innings: 247 all out in 76.5 overs.(Nitin Saini 109, Suresh Rana 36; Stuart Binny 3/43).