Ranji Trophy: Natraj Behera, Ranjit Singh's tons put Odisha in command against Haryana

Lahli: Skipper Natraj Behera and Ranjit Singh struck unbeaten centuries to guide Odisha to 280 for one against Haryana on the opening day of a seventh round Group A Ranji Trophy cricket match, here today.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Odisha suffered an early jolt in the form of opener Girja Rout (10) but thereafter it was a special display of batting from Natraj (143 batting) and Singh (109 batting) as the duo shared unconquered 263 runs to take Odisha to a comfortable position at the end of the first day's proceedings.

Natraj faced 244 balls and hit 12 boundaries and four sixes during his unbeaten knock, while Singh's ton came off 266 deliveries with the help of eight fours and two hits over the fence.

Pacer Mohit Sharma (1/33) accounted for the lone Odisha wicket to fall in the day.

Brief Scores:

Odisha: 280 for one in 87 overs (Natraj Behera 143 not out, Ranjit Singh 109 not out; Mohit Sharma 1/33).