Ajay Rohera frustrates Delhi with classy century

New Delhi: Ajay Rohera, the right-handed batsman who created world record for the highest score on first-class debut in 2018-19 when he made 267 not out for Madhya Pradesh against Hyderabad, turned out to be Delhi’s nemesis as he notched his second first-class ton to frustrate the home team and take Pondicherry within striking distance of first innings lead in their Ranji Trophy match at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground on Sunday.

Rohera was unbeaten on 107 off 139 balls (16x4s) as Pondicherry went to stumps at 240/4 on Day 2.

The opener was ably supported by Paras Ratnaparkhe (43) with whom he added 91 for the second wicket and Anand Singh Bais (48) with whom he stitched 93 for the third wicket.

Allthough Delhi struck back with two late wickets, in a period of three overs, all-rounder Aman Hakim Khan entered and hit three successive boundaries including a flick, a drive and a punch through extra cover to ensure that Pondicherry resume Day 3 just 56 runs behind.

But the day belonged to Rohera.

Delhi, resuming at 248/6 were all out for 296 as Pondicherry skipper Sagar Udeshi picked the last four wickets with his left-arm spin. Hrithik Shokeen, who was looking good fell for 30 off 35 balls as Delhi were reduced to 275/7 early in the day. It was a matter of time before the last three were dismissed.

Surprisingly Delhi began the bowling with newcomer Sumit Kumar Beniwal, a right-arm pacer who had impressed in the Delhi Premier League.

Yash Dhull, standing in as skipper for Ayush Badoni, did not give the new ball to Money Grewal who had got two early wickets in the second innings of the last match against Himachal Pradesh.

Simarjeet Singh picked the early wicket of Vedant Bhardwaj with Pondicherry at only 19. But thereafter began the struggle as none of the bowlers, barring Grewal who was troubling the batsmen with the balls that came in, looked good enough to take wickets.

Rohera was patient and also unleashed reverse sweeps against Hrithik Shokeen. He even reached his century with a reverse sweep.

He played some deft late cuts and also worked the ball around without taking undue risk and still managing to score at a strike rate of 77. The batsman hit 16 fours. 

Delhi will need to play out of their skin to take first innings lead in what was being considered a cakewalk for them.

Tags : Ajay Rohera, Ranji Trophy, Delhi, Yash Dhull, Aman Khan