Services bowlers struck back to restrict Andhra Pradesh to 234 in the first innings on another fog-hit day in a group B encounter of the Ranji Trophy cricket match, here today.
Medium-pacers Roshan Raj and Deepak Punia shared four wickets apiece to check the Mohammad Kaif-led side from its opening day score of 160 for three in the four-day encounter at the Palam Grounds.
Raj, 30, playing just his second first-class game, made an impression by picking up overnight batsmen Andimani Ganga Pradeep (59) and Avadhanam Rakesh (23) to start Andhra's rot.
The young Punia then took over from Raj and got Kaif back in the hut for five and subsequently Andhra saw a mini-procession on a day when only 54.4 overs were possible.
Even though No.7 batsman Ricky Bhui scored an unbeaten 48, Punia wiped off the tail in double quick time as four lower-order batsmen got ducks.
In reply, the Yashpal Singh-led Services was 53 for one at stumps on Day 2 with Soumik Chatterjee (18 not out) and Aman Sharma (20 not out) fighting on. They trail by 181 runs.
Andhra pace spearhead Paidikalva Vijaykumar got opener Pratilk Desai caught and bowled for 13.
Brief Scores:
Andhra Pradesh 1st innings 234 all out in 96.4 overs (Andimani Ganga Pradeep 59, Ricky Bhui 48 not out; Roshan Rj 4-77, Deepak Punia 4-60)
Services 1st innings 53/1 in 18 overs (Soumik Chatterjee 18 not out, Aman Sharma 20 not out; Paidikalva Vijaykumar 1-22).
