Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Senapati’s ton arms Odisha opening day honours towards Delhi

Subhransu Senapati cracked his eighth Ranji Trophy century and second of the season to place Odisha in command towards Delhi on the opening day of its Ranji Trophy league match on the Jamia Milia floor on Friday.

Senapati, who scored his career-best 277 towards Madhya Pradesh final month, was unbeaten on 109 with Odisha at 314 for 4 at Stumps.

Electing to bat in excellent batting circumstances on a placid pitch, Odisha step by step punished Delhi’s restricted bowling sources.

After openers Shantanu Mishra (76, 10×4) and Swastik Samal (38, 5×4, 1×6) laid a basis of 58 runs, Senapati was related in three half-century stands that stored Delhi at bay.

For the third wicket, Senapati and Mishra raised 80 runs off 129 deliveries. After Mishra’s departure, Senapati and Govinda Poddar (27, 3×4) batted with ease so as to add 68 runs off 109 balls for the fourth wicket.

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Senapati, who hit 13 fours throughout his ongoing 184-ball innings, was joined by a vastly-experienced Biplab Samantaray (40 batting, 5×4) in consolidating Odisha’s innings. The duo added 81 runs off 163 deliveries and left the bowlers exasperated.

Delhi skipper Himmat Singh tried seven bowling choices, together with himself, however Odisha’s batters stayed in management. Only medium pacer Pranshu Vijayran and left-arm spinner Sumit Mathur succeeded, getting two wickets every.