Ayush Badoni’s century rescues Delhi after top-order wobble

Ranchi: Skipper Ayush Badoni hit a second century on the trot as Delhi ended Day 1 of their Elite Group C Ranji Trophy tie against Jharkhand at 309/5 here.

Badoni has been leading from the front this season. He hit a double century in the previous match against Gujarat and, in the first match against Bengal which Delhi lost, he got a five-wicket haul.

Delhi were in a sticky situation at 181/5 before Badoni and Sumit Mathur (batting 50) stitched unbeaten 128 runs for the sixth wicket.

Badoni remained unbeaten on 106 off 122 balls, striking 11 fours and two sixes. Mathur provided solid support, reaching 50 not out off 119 deliveries, including five fours.

Delhi lost their first wicket at 56 when Priyansh Arya departed for 39 off 53 balls. Sanat Sangwan made 37 off 100 deliveries before falling at 99, while Yash Dhull contributed 29. Ayush Doseja scored 21 before becoming the fourth wicket at 143.

Anuj Rawat was dismissed for 18, leaving Delhi at 181/5 in the 55th over. Badoni and Mathur then batted patiently to ensure there were no further setbacks, taking the total to 309 at stumps after 90 overs.

For Jharkhand, off-spinners Utkarsh Singh and Md Kounain Quraishi claimed two wickets each, while Anukul Roy took one. Utkarsh finished with 2/63 from 23 overs, while Quraishi conceded 70 runs in 15 overs. Roy bowled 28 overs and returned figures of 1/91.

Delhi will look to build on the strong finish on Day 2, with Badoni and Mathur well placed to extend their partnership and push the visitors towards a commanding first-innings total.

Tags : Ayush Badoni, Sumit Mathur, Priyansh Arya, Yash Dhull, Cricket, Ranji Trophy, Delhi