Hyderabad Stands Strong as Skipper Gahlaut Shines on Day 1 Against Rajasthan

Hyderabad displayed a steady performance on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy opener against Rajasthan, closing the day at 261/5. Playing at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Hyderabad’s captain Rahul Singh Gahlaut led the charge with a crucial half-century, scoring 66 runs and stabilizing the innings amidst pressure from Rajasthan’s bowling attack.

Day 1 Highlights:

Opening Partnership Sets a Solid Foundation:
Opting to bat first, Hyderabad openers Tanmay Agarwal and Abhirath Reddy built a stable start, carefully navigating the initial overs to give their side a confident beginning.

Kookna’s Game-Changing Spell:
Rajasthan’s Kookna Ajay Singh made an impact with his left-arm spin, dismissing both openers and K Rohit Rayudu. Kookna’s three wickets, earned with a mix of precision and control, briefly put Hyderabad in a challenging position.

Key Middle-Order Stand Rebuilds Innings:
Facing early setbacks, Hyderabad’s middle-order regrouped effectively. Skipper Gahlaut and Rahul Radesh formed a valuable 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket, steadying the innings and keeping Hyderabad on track.

Gahlaut Falls After a Strong Knock:
Gahlaut’s composed innings of 66 came to an unexpected end when he was caught off guard by a bouncer from Arafat Khan, just as Hyderabad looked set to accelerate. However, his efforts laid a solid foundation for the team.

Lower Order Holds Strong:
As the day came to a close, Rahul Radesh (43) and Ajay Dev Goud (34) remained unbeaten, ensuring Hyderabad reached a respectable score of 261/5. Their partnership will be key as Hyderabad aims to build on this solid start heading into Day 2.

Quick Score Summary:

Hyderabad – 1st Innings

• Top Performers:
• Rahul Singh Gahlaut: 66
• Tanmay Agarwal: 40
• Rahul Radesh (not out): 43
• Ajay Dev Goud (not out): 34
• Bowling Highlights for Rajasthan:
• Kookna Ajay Singh: 3/88
• Deepak Chahar: 1/53
• Arafat Khan: 1/28

As Hyderabad aims to further build its score, Rajasthan will be looking for early breakthroughs on Day 2 to limit the total.

image credit: sportstar.thehindu.com

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