Published on Oct 12
GUWAHATI: Captain Denish Das and Sibsankar Roy struck commanding centuries to steer Assam to 373 all out in their first innings against Punjab on the second day of their Ranji Trophy encounter at New Chandigarh on Monday. Resuming at 68 for three, Assam produced a determined batting display, with Roy remaining unbeaten on 143 after facing 295 deliveries.
Punjab, who won the toss and elected to field on Sunday, finished the day at 3 without loss in two overs, trailing Assam by 370 runs.
Das led from the front with a well-crafted 103 off 186 balls, hitting 15 boundaries. He joined Roy to stabilise the innings after Assam had lost three early wickets, and the pair stitched together a crucial 171-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their stand laid the foundation for Assam to build a competitive first-innings total.
Roy continued to anchor the innings with remarkable patience and composure. His unbeaten 143 came off 295 balls and included 20 fours and a six, as he held the innings together against a disciplined Punjab bowling attack.
After the dismissal of Das, Roy found another valuable partner in Swarupam Purkayastha, who scored an aggressive 68 off 87 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. The duo added 93 runs for the sixth wicket, further strengthening Assam’s position and frustrating the Punjab bowlers.
Purkayastha’s attacking approach provided momentum to the innings, while Roy continued to accumulate runs at the other end. Their partnership proved instrumental in taking Assam past the 350-run mark before the innings eventually folded at 373 in 117 overs.
For Punjab, experienced pacer Umesh Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, claiming five wickets for 70 runs.
Punjab started their reply cautiously and reached 3 without loss in two overs at stumps. With Assam holding a substantial first-innings lead of 370 runs, Punjab will need a strong batting effort on the third day to narrow the deficit and keep themselves in contention.
Photo Caption: Sibsankar (File)