Ranji Trophy: Jharkhand enforce follow-on on Delhi despite twin tons

Thumba: Delhi today conceded a huge first innings lead of 159 runs with Jharkhand enforcing follow-on on the third day in a group B Ranji Trophy encounter despite twin tons from skipper Unmukt Chand and Rishabh Pant.

Replying to Jharkhand's first innings score of 493, Delhi were all-out for 334 in their first innings thereby conceding a lead of 159 runs.

In their bid to go for an outright win, Jharkhand skipper Saurabh Tiwary asked Delhi to follow-on but Unmukt and Co gave a good account of themselves to finish the day at 165 for one with a slender lead of six runs.

Delhi will now aim to bat out the final day in order to ensure a point while Jharkhand with three in their pocket will aim to go for a six and if possible seven points from the match.

Starting the day at 225 for 3, the two overnight batsmen Unmukt (109) and Pant (117) took the score to 261 before both were dismissed in quick succession.

The Delhi skipper scored his eighth first-class ton whichcame after a considerable period of time.

Seamer Ashish Kumar got Pant caught by Ishank Jaggi having played 106 balls hitting nine boundaries and a six.

The duo added 187 runs for the fourth wicket. Within an addition of a run, Unmukt was dismissed by Ashish having hit 15 boundaries in his 181-ball knock.

Once Pant and Unmukt were gone, Delhi didn't have the wherewithal to fight it out and atleast get a first innings lead.

In the second essay, Unmukt however carried on his form as he scored 63 off 96 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes. Dhruv Shorey is batting on 67 in company of Nitish Rana (34 batting).