In the absence of Ajit Agarkar, Sairaj Bahutule and Nilesh Kulkarni,Punjab took advantage of the depleted Mumbai attack to post 244 forfour at stumps on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy quarterfinalmatch at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on

Staff Reporter20-Mar-2001In the absence of Ajit Agarkar, Sairaj Bahutule and Nilesh Kulkarni,Punjab took advantage of the depleted Mumbai attack to post 244 forfour at stumps on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy quarterfinalmatch at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Punjab stumperPankaj Dharmani (68) and Indian one day batsman Yuvraj Singh heldcentre stage as Mumbai were made to toil all day.Mumbai’s stand in skipper Amol Mazumdar won the toss and opted to putthe opposition in. Punjab openers Vikram Rathour (14) and RavneetRicky (24) put up 32 runs on the board in 8.4 overs. But theexperience of Paras Mhambrey prevailed and Rathour was bowled. AnkurKakkar, playing just his second Ranji match, made his way to thecrease. But just when a good partnership was developing between Kakkarand Ricky, left arm spinner Rajesh Powar trapped the Punjab opener legbefore with the score at 58 in the 26th over.Dharmani joined Kakkar and forged a sedate 78-run partnership for thethird wicket on either side of the lunch break. Kakkar was unfortunateto miss out on his second half century in as many matches and wasstumped by Amol Rane off Ramesh Powar in the 45th over. Kakkar (46)who was at the centre for 157 minutes faced 117 balls and fourboundaries while managing to send one over the ropes.Yuvraj Singh walked out to join Dharmani and before long took controlof the proceedings. The two added 100 runs for the fourth wicket in 26overs. The Mumbaikars sorely missed the experience of their front linebowlers on a day when the Punjab middle order was toying with theattack. During the course of the partnership, Dharmani reached hishalf-century, needing 97 balls to reach the mark. After toiling allthrough the afternoon, Mumbai were finally rewarded with the wicket ofDharmani. Mhambrey, who came back into the attack, trapped Dharmanileg before in the 72nd over of the innings. During a 179-minute stayat the crease, Dharmani faced 130 balls and hit eight fours and a sixin his 68.Punjab, who have been in such ominous form this season – they won alltheir five league games – were now helped along by Yuvraj Singh andReetinder Sodhi (35 not out). Yuvraj Singh reached his fifty in duecourse, requiring just 73 balls. The two who have put on 63 runs forthe fifth wicket so far ensured that Punjab suffered no furthercasualities. By close, Yuvraj was unbeaten on 86 (131 balls, 11 fours,one six).