Priyank Panchal’s century helped India Red to 232 for five at the end of first day’s play against India Green in the opening game of Duleep Trophy, 2017. After keeping the bowlers at bay for the first two sessions, the team lost four wickets in the final session. Part-time bowlers - Karun Nair (2/17) and M Vijay (2/15) - provided India Green with vital breakthroughs in the final session of the day. At stumps in the day/night match being played with the pink ball in Lucknow, Dinesh Karthik (15 off 64) was batting with K Gowtham (10 off 15).
The top-scorer of Ranji Trophy 2016-17, Panchal began the 2017-18 season with a century. After Dinesh Karthik, leading India Red in the absence of Abhinav Mukund, elected to bat the batsman anchored the innings with a gritty 228-ball 105.
With Sudip Chatterjee he took the team to Tea (end of the first session) at 61 without loss of a wicket. However, soon after reaching his half-century, Chatterjee returned to the dressing room for 52. Ishank Jaggi then joined Panchal and the duo took the team to Dinner at 141 for one. The pair plodded on as India Green strove to create breakthroughs.
Seeking wickets, captain Parthiv Patel introduced Vijay and Nair into the attack. While Vijay ended the second wicket partnership for 75 with the wicket of Jaggi, Nair dealt a double blow a few overs later. He trapped Panchal lbw and claimed Rahul Singh Gahlaut to leave India Red on 203 for four. After 18 runs, Rishabh Pant was sent back by Vijay. Continuing to hold up one end, Dinesh Karthik then saw his team through to the end of day’s play.
Scores: End of Day 1: India Red 1st inn 232/5 in 86 overs (P Panchal 105, D Karthik 15*, Gowtham K 10*, M Vijay 2/15, K Nair 2/17)
