Bihar in driver’s seat against Arunachal Pradesh in Ranji Trophy opener

Sakib Hussain’s six-for and Ayush Loharuka’s highest first-class score of unbeaten 155 (163 balls) helped Bihar take the driver’s seat on Day 1 of their season-opening Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh in Patna on Wednesday.The visitors’ decision to bat first at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium backfired as they were bundled out for just 105 in 32.3 overs. Then Bihar ended their first innings on 283 for two scoring at a run-rate of 5.44. Loharuka and captain Sakibul Gani (56* off 74 balls) are at the crease with a stand of 117 runs for the unbroken third wicket. Bihar already have a lead of 178 runs going into the second day of the four-day game.Earlier, playing only in his third first-class game after debuting last season, 20-year-old Hussain ran riot through the Arunachal batting.

With a fine display of seam bowling, the young right-arm medium pacer ended up with his best bowling figures in an innings, taking six for 41 runs from 11.3 overs. He castled three Arunachal batters, trapped one lbw, induced one edge behind, and the rest was caught by his skipper Gani.Medium pacer Amod Yadav took two wickets for 21 runs, while Nawaz Khan and left-arm spinner Sachin Kumar Singh took one wicket apiece.No.7 Siddharth Balodi was the northeast side’s top-scorer with 24 runs while the next best was extras – 16.

Only four Arunachal batters could reach double-digit scores, including Balodi.In response, Bihar though had an unassuming start as young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi departed early scoring only 14 from five balls with two fours and a maximum in his usual style. The southpaw lost his stumps to medium pacer Yab Niya in the fifth ball of Bihar innings.However, that didn’t deter Bihar from taking the fast track. Other opener Arnav Kishor (52 off 70 balls) and Loharuka joined hands to give their side a solid 152-run stand for the second wicket as Bihar raced to 166 in 28th over when Kishor was castled by off-spinner TNR Mohith.

Gani and Loharuka, who made his Bihar debut only last season, made merry as Arunachal players were subjected to leather hunt.Loharuka hit 26 fours and one maximum while Gani hit six boundaries. This is the 22-year-old youngsters’ second first-class century bettering his 101 against UP at the same venue in Jan this year.Brief scores:Arunachal Pradesh 105 in 32.3 overs (S Hussain 6/41, A Yadav 2/21). Bihar 283/2 in 52 overs (A Loharuka 155 batting, S Gani 56 batting, A Kishor 52). Match to continue.