Ashutosh Singh becomes first Chhattisgarh player to score first-class century

In the Tripura vs Chattisgarh match played in Ranchi 22-year-old right-hand batsman, Ashutosh Singh created history by becoming the first batsman from the team to score a century in their maiden Ranji Trophy match. Making his first first-class debut Ashutosh who previously played for Madhya Pradesh at the age-group level stood his ground firm and with a characteristic knock and that ensured Chhattisgarh take a first innings lead against Tripura.

His 140 saw the team take a 137-run head which can prove decisive in their opening game in the Ranji Trophy 2015/16. It wasn’t easy, he didn’t just defy the Tripura bowlers himself but also had to hold things up as he kept losing partners quite regularly on the second day.

He found a resistant partner in P Vivek who stood there defending or leaving most deliveries that were hurled his way. Vivek stayed at the crease for 86 balls and scored 19 runs. He gave Ashutosh just enough confidence to push the lead to a substantial one. Vivek was eventually picked by Rana Dutta who had him lbw.

The centurion wasn’t deterred by all this and was the last warrior to fall in the inning. A Dey grabbed a catch off his own bowling to send him back. Tripura in their second inning scored 10 runs without losing a wicket by the end of second day’s play. They trail by 127 runs.

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Brief Score:

Tripura 1st innings: 118/10 in 54 overs (A Dey 32, Y Singh 26, A Mandal 3/41, P Sinha 2/13, A Singh 2/20, S Ruikar 2/20)

Chhattisgarh 1st innings: 255/10 in 103.5 overs (Ashutosh Singh 140, Mohd. Kaif 27, A Dey 4/26)

Tripura 2nd innings: 10/0 in 3 overs (B Gosh 9*, U Bose 1*) Trail by 127 runs