A strong fight back from Haryana after they were dismissed were for206 in their first innings saw them take an all important firstinnings lead against Orissa

14-Mar-2000A strong fight back from Haryana after they were dismissed were for206 in their first innings saw them take an all important firstinnings lead against Orissa. 23 year old left arm spinner Sonu Sharmabowling the spell of his life captured 7/32 off 26.5 overs andscuttled out Orissa for just 165.Resuming on a shaky 17 for 3, Orissa lost their way completely. ThoughSonu Sharma did not pick up a wicket on the first day, he more thanamply made up by dismissing the remaining seven Orissa batsmen. SanjayRaul was the only batsman to offer any sort of resistance. Even Raulcould manage just 51 before he was undone by the guiles of SonuSharma.Though Raul’s innings took 151 balls, it was studded with 9boundaries.The fact that Sonu Sharma got six of his seven wickets either LBW orbowled spoke a lot about the discipline with which he sent down hisovers.In response, Haryana were cautious. Playing out 25 overs and scoringjust 93 runs, the visitors lost 3 wickets. At stumps, Jasvir Singh (32not out) and I Gainda (4 not out) were at the crease.