Ranji Trophy: Paras Dogra's double ton propels Pondicherry

CHENNAI: Paras Dogra smashed his 9th double century in Ranji Trophy as his 220-ball 200 helped Pondicherry achieve a massive 385-run first innings lead over Mizoram on Day 2 of their Plate Group clash in Kolkata on Thursday. Having started the day on 135, the 35-year-old looked in complete command of the proceedings. Dogra tore apart the listless Mizoram attack with 20 fours and 2 sixes.
Pondy lost KB Arun Karthick (86) in the third ball of the day.But that didn’t stop Dogra from taking the aggressive route. In the company of S Suresh Kumar (103, 15x4, 1x6), Dogra added 150 for the fifth wicket in just 127 deliveries to take Pondy’s total past the 400-run mark. Both matched each other shot for shot as Mizoram appeared clueless. Pondy ended Mizoram's misery as they declared at 458-5.
Dogra — who has the highest number of double tons in Ranji history — felt he was currently batting at his best. “It is always special when you score big runs for your side. Last year I got my 8th Ranji double hundred and went past Ajay Sharma who has 7. I have been striking the ball well, but more importantly — I want these knocks to come in winning causes,” Dogra told TOI.
Asked if it was one of easier double tons he has scored as it came against an ordinary attack, Dogra said — “It was a challenge because there were interruptions due to bad light. So it affected my concentration. Barring that, I was comfortable from the start and was able to execute my plans well.” In their second innings, Mizoram were in trouble as they slipped to 30 for 4. Left-arm spinner Sagar Udeshi (2 for 12) accounted for Mizoram openers Lalhmangaiha (6) and Lalhruaizela (0). Mizoram will have a mountain to climb as they trail Pondy by 355 runs in the first innings.
Brief scores: Mizoram 73 and 30 for 4 in 11 overs (Sagar Udeshi 2-12). Pondicherry 458-5 decl. (Paras Dogra 200, KB Arun Karthick 86, S Suresh Kumar 103).