Photo: Hotstar/BCCIPunjab captain Mandeep Singh led from the front with a century as he steered his side to a win against Rajasthan in their Ranji Trophy match at Jaipur.
Put in to bat, Rajasthan were shot out for 257 in the first innings courtesy of a Siddharth Kaul four-fer. In response, Punjab got off to a shaky start as Mandeep Singh walked out to bat at 31/2 in the tenth over. He joined hands with Gurkeerat Singh Mann to forge an 86-run partnership to steady the innings.
Once Gurkeerat was dismissed, Punjab soon found themselves at 125 before Mandeep Singh teamed up with wicket-keeper Anmol Malhotra to put on 143 runs for the sixth wicket.
He brought up his fifty in 87 balls and his hundred, the 12th of his First-Class career, with a four in 157 deliveries.
Mandeep Singh, a Kings XI Punjab player in the VIVO Indian Premier League, eventually departed for 122, made in just 174 balls, with the help of 17 fours and a six.
"After bringing up my century I was targeting a bigger score. So, personally, I was a bit disappointed," Mandeep Singh said. "But overall, I am happy the way we played."
Punjab ended their innings at 358, taking a 101 lead and then wrapped up Rajasthan for 168 in the second innings after a concerted bowling effort.
With a modest target of 68, Punjab chased it down comfortably and won the match by 10 wickets.
For his gritty century, Mandeep Singh was named Player of the Match.
