All class: Punjab’s Pannu kept his head in the midst of a batting implosion.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
Harnoor Singh Pannu (126 n.o., 258, 11×4) kept his head in the midst of a batting implosion, brought up his maiden First Class century, and ensured Punjab lasted the first day against Kerala in their Ranji Trophy Group B match at the PCA New Cricket Stadium, Ground B here on Saturday.
Pannu’s attrition was precisely what Punjab needed at 152 for five, having lost four wickets for 24 runs. He stuck to his approach, and built a crucial 74-run partnership with Salil Arora, getting Punjab to 240 for six.
With the early introduction of spin in the fifth over, Pannu opted for a inch ahead in singles.
Pannu and Prabhsimran Singh added 52 for the first wicket but the stand ended after the latter attempted a paddle sweep off B. Aparajith and saw the ball roll onto the stumps off his gloves.
Run rate was of no essence when Pannu got together with Uday Saharan for the second wicket. Their 86-run stand took up 217 balls on either side of the lunch break and reflected their single-minded approach to stonewall and break down the bowlers.
But the approach backfired when Punjab’s middle order gave in to impulse and let Kerala take a hold of proceedings.
Naman Dhir and Anmolpreet Singh poked outside the off stump line and were caught behind off N. Basil. Ramandeep Singh decided to take on Ankit Sharma and clear mid on, only to pick the fielder with a miscue.
Brief slump
A consequence of the brief slump was that Punjab could only add 52 in 24 overs in the second session.
But Pannu was unwavering and trusted his front-footed defence. He retreated into his crease too and twice scored boundaries with a cut against Ankit — the second getting him to his century in 207 balls.
The day could have taken a different course had Pannu not been shelled at mid off on 93 off Nidheesh.
Salil dropped anchor to arrest the slide but was pinned in front by Aparajith while attempting a sweep in the penultimate over of the day.
However, Pannu lasted at the other end, leaving Punjab with the chance of piling on more to its total.
Scoreboard: Punjab — 1st innings: Harnoor Singh Pannu (batting) 126, Prabhsimran Singh b Aparajith 23, Uday Saharan b Ankit 37, Anmolpreet Singh c Azharuddeen b Basil 1, Naman Dhir c Azharuddeen b Basil 1, Ramandeep Singh c Kunnummal b Ankit 6, Salil Arora lbw b Aparajith 36, Krish Bhagat (batting) 2; Extras (b-4, lb-4): 8; Total (for six wkts. in 87 overs): 240.
Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-138, 3-141, 4-147, 5-162, 6-236.
Kerala bowling: Nidheesh 14-2-38-0, Basil 18-3-44-2, Ankit 23-3-63-2, Akshay 10-0-28-0, Aparajith 19-1-48-2, Imran 3-0-11-0.
Toss: Punjab.
Published – October 25, 2025 06:55 pm IST
