Thanks to a 277-run opening partnership between Ravneet Ricky and skipper Vikram Rathour, Punjab had things their own way while compiling 321 for one by close of play on the opening day of their North Zone Ranji Trophy league match against Himachal Pradesh at the Indira stadium in Una on Monday.

Winning the toss, Punjab were given a rousing start. Ricky and Rathour did pretty much what they liked with the bowling. Himachal skipper Rajiv Nayyar tried eight bowlers in all but the two batted for 79 overs before Ricky was out for 113. He batted 326 minutes, faced 273 balls and hit 16 fours and a six.

Joined by Ritender Sodhi, Rathour continued to punish the bowlers and at stumps he came in unbeaten with 169 after batting 375 minutes. He has far faced 289 balls and hit 21 fours. Keeping him company is Sodhi with 21.

© CricInfo