Mohit Ahlawat 142 helps Services recover against Delhi in Ranji Elite Group-C

Mohit Ahlawat scored his maiden First Class century for Services, making 142 off 150 balls, on Wednesday at the Airforce Complex Ground in Palam in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group-C match against his former side Delhi. His innings included seven maximums and helped Services reach 280 for five in their second innings.

Ahlawat began his domestic career with Delhi under Gautam Gambhir in the 2015-16 season but played only three Ranji matches before being sidelined. He later joined the Indian Navy and was picked up by Services three seasons after his initial stint with Delhi; he is 30 years old.

Delhi, which resumed on 299 for six, were dismissed for 344 in their first innings to take a 78-run lead after Services had posted 266 in their opening innings. The Delhi first-innings contributions included Priyansh Arya 58, Ayush Doseja 78 and Sumit Mathur 99.

Services found themselves 13 for 2 in the reply when Nitin Tanwar was trapped lbw by Navdeep Saini for 2 and Shubham Rohilla was bowled by Saini for 5, a vacancy at No. 4 opened because Vineet Dhankhar was unwell and Ahlawat walked out to bat. Ahlawat countered particularly well against spin, stepping out to loft and using sweep and reverse-sweep strokes to assert control.

Ravi Chauhan provided substantial support, making 56 off 105 balls with six fours and one six in a 126-run partnership, and Rajat Paliwal remained unbeaten on 62 in a 127-run alliance with Ahlawat. Nakul Sharma and Vineet Dhankhar are listed as batting lower down the order in the second innings.

Jayant Goyat emerged as Services' leading bowler in Delhi’s first innings, finishing with a five-wicket haul (23.4-4-65-5); he dismissed Sumit Mathur for 99 when Mathur cut to backward point and added 19 to his overnight score. Arjun claimed 3-65 in the innings, and Services’ first-innings bowling figures included Narang 25-3-72-1 and Virender 19-0-62-1.

Delhi’s bowling in Services’ second innings featured Navdeep Saini (10-0-50-2), Hrithik Shokeen (13-2-45-1), Dev Lakra (10-3-26-0) and Aman (22-2-87-2). Services closed the day at 280 for five, leaving them with a lead of 202 runs in the Elite Group-C match.