Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Senapati’s ton hands Odisha opening day honours against Delhi

Senapati, who scored his career-best 277 against Madhya Pradesh last month, was unbeaten on 109 with Odisha at 314 for four at stumps.

File Photo: Odisha’s Subhransu Senapati in action during the Ranji Trophy in 2016. | Photo Credit: AKHILESH KUMAR/The Hindu

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

Senapati, who scored his career-best 277 against Madhya Pradesh last month, was unbeaten on 109 with Odisha at 314 for four at Stumps.

Electing to bat in perfect batting conditions on a placid pitch, Odisha gradually punished Delhi’s limited bowling resources.

After openers Shantanu Mishra (76, 10x4) and Swastik Samal (38, 5x4, 1x6) laid a foundation of 58 runs, Senapati was associated in three half-century stands that kept 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, 3x4) batted with ease to add 68 runs off 109 balls for the fourth wicket.

Senapati, who hit 13 fours during his ongoing 184-ball innings, was joined by a vastly-experienced Biplab Samantaray (40 batting, 5x4) 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 options, including himself, but Odisha’s batters stayed in control. Only medium pacer Pranshu Vijayran and left-arm spinner Sumit Mathur succeeded, getting two wickets each.

BRIEF SCORES

Odisha 314/4 (Shantanu Mishra 76, Subhransu Senapati 109 n.o., Biplab Samantaray 40 n.o.) vs Delhi.

Toss: Odisha.