Photo via Sportstar

Ranji Trophy 2026/27: Vihaan Malhotra’s maiden FC hundred keeps up Punjab’s fight against Assam

Punjab’s young opener Vihaan Malhotra made an immediate impact in first-class cricket, smashing an unbeaten century on his debut to steer his side within striking distance of Assam’s first-innings total. The 137-run partnership with Harnoor Pannu (54) provided the foundation, with Malhotra (103 off 208 balls) dominating the off-side before Punjab’s middle-order collapse left them 86 runs behind at stumps on 287 for five.

Assam’s bowlers struggled to contain the left-handed pair, but Punjab’s tailenders failed to capitalize as the hosts fell short of their target by a narrow margin. Malhotra’s aggressive strokeplay—including boundaries against Mukhtar Hussain and Dipjyoti Saikia—highlighted his potential, though late miscues cost him dearly in the chase.

Assam’s bowlers, including Mukhtar and Amlanjyoti Das, managed key breakthroughs, while Punjab’s Salil Arora and Emanjot Singh Chahal stabilized the innings after the early setback.

Up nextCricket· 2h ago

WTC 2025-27 points table: Updated World Test Championship standings after Australia beat South Africa in Durban