Ahlawat Maiden Ton Puts Services on Top Against Delhi in Ranji Trophy

Mohit Ahlawat scored a maiden first-class century to put Services in a commanding position against Delhi in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at the Air Force ground in Palam on Wednesday.

Ahlawat counter-attacked with 142 off 150 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and seven sixes, to lift Services from 13 for 2 to 280 for 5 and a lead of 202 runs going into the final day, with captain Rajat Paliwal unbeaten on 62.

The pitch had made fluent scoring difficult over the first three days, making Ahlawat’s innings all the more valuable for a Services side chasing their first outright win of the season.

Goyat backs red-ball cricket

Services pacer Jayant Goyat, who took five wickets as Delhi were bowled out for 344, said red-ball cricket remains the toughest and most important format. The 21-year-old, who serves in the Indian Air Force after joining under the Agnipath scheme, finished with five for 65 as Sumit Mathur made 99 and Ayush Doseja 78 for Delhi.

What comes next

Ahlawat will lead Services in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which starts on November 14, and his century will have done his leadership credentials no harm at all.

Source: Times of India / Tribune India