HYDERABAD: With relegation threat looming, Hyderabad batters dug deep for the first time this season to take their side to a comfortable 247 for four at stumps on the first day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B league match against Delhi at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, here on Tuesday.
Southpaw Rohit Rayudu hit a patient unbeaten 90 (197 balls, 4x8, 6x1) and put on a crucial 132-run partnershipfor the fourth wicket with Chandan Sahani 67 (126b, 4x5, 6x3) to steady the innings after a couple of quick blows in the post lunch session.
Both Rohit and Santosh Goud (10 batting; 43b, 1x4) survived some anxious moments in the closing stages of the day when Delhi skipper Yash Dhull, who returned to lead the side in place of Himmat Singh after pulling out from the last game against Mumbai, took the new ball after 87.1 overs. But the Hyderabad batters kept their nerves to see the day through.