Virender Sharma hit a sparkling 134 to enable Himachal Pradesh take a crucial first innings lead over Services in their Plate Group 'B' Ranji Trophy cricket match at New Delhi on Tuesday.

Riding on middle-order batsman Virender Sharma's knock, Himachal Pradesh, resuming at 131 for four, finished their innings at 291 for a first innings lead of 58 runs over the hosts.

At stumps on day three, Servcies were 80 for two with Krishna Chawda and Arun Sharma batting on 38 and four respectively. Vishal Bhatia claimed both the Services wickets.

Virender Sharma, who started the day on his overnight score of 50, hit the home bowlers all around the park for his 134, which contained 15 boundaries.

However, credit should go to Services bowlers Fazal Mohammad (5-73) and Arun Sharma (4-90) who did well to restrict the visitors within 300.

Brief scores:

Services 1st innings: 233 and 80 for two (K Chawda batting 38; Vishal Bhatia 2-33)

Himachal 1st innings: 291 for 4 in 95.4 overs (Virender Sharma 134, Sandeep Sharma 47; Fazal Mohammad 5-73, Arun Sharma 4-90).