Ranji Trophy: Shiv Gautam's ton gives Jharkhand Day 1 honours

Ranchi: Opener Shiv Gautam struck a patient century to help Jharkhand post 306 for four against Himachal Pradesh on Day 1 of the Group C Ranji Trophy cricket league match here.

Electing to bat at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Jharkhand lost a couple of early wickets but the 154-run third-wicket partnership between Gautam (122) and Saurabh Tiwary (79) gave the opening day honours to the hosts.

Pace spearhead Rishi Dhawan bagged two wickets, while left-arm spinner Bipul Sharma and leg-spinner Prashant Chopra picked a wicket apiece.

Brief Scores:

Jharkhand 306/4 in 91 overs (Shiv Gautam 122, Saurabh Tiwary 79; Ishant Jaggi 43 not out; Rishi Dhawan 2-67).