Pune, Feb 10: Captain Paras Dogra stepped up when it was crucial, guiding Jammu & Kashmir to a total of 180 for three, establishing a significant lead after Kerala staged a commendable comeback during an exciting third day of the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal on Monday.
Dogra ended the day unbeaten on 73, with wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan supporting him with 42, as J&K extended their advantage to 179 runs with seven wickets in hand.
Kerala began the day at 200 for nine, trailing by 80 runs, and J&K aimed to finish off their first innings quickly. However, Salman Nizar had different plans, showcasing a stellar performance with a score of 112 off 172 balls, starting the day on 49, and helping Kerala to finish with a one-run lead at 281 all out.
Nizar remained not out, while Basil Thampi contributed 15 runs before becoming Auqib Nabi’s (6/53) sixth wicket, marking the conclusion of Kerala’s innings. Nabi was undeniably J&K’s standout bowler, with Yudhvir Singh and Sahil Lotra each collecting two wickets.
Pace bowler MD Nidheesh (2/45), who ended up with six wickets in the first innings along with a noteworthy 30 runs, dismissed both J&K openers – Shubham Khajuria (2) and Yawer Hassan (16) – cheaply, giving Kerala the upper hand.
Nedumankuzhy Basil (1/43), Nidheesh’s new ball partner, added to J&K’s troubles by removing Vivrant Sharma, who had settled well with a 37 off 70 balls. Although Kerala seemed to have the advantage at that stage, the partnership of Dogra and Wadhawan dashed their hopes for further breakthroughs, as they forged an unbeaten 102-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Dogra hit seven fours and a six during his innings, while Wadhawan found the boundary three times in his 80-ball effort. Dogra’s runs came off 148 balls.
Brief scores: Jammu and Kashmir: 280 and 180/3 in 57 overs (Paras Dogra 73*, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 42*; MD Nidheesh 2/45) Kerala 1st innings: 281 all out in 85 overs (Salman Nizar 112, Jalaj Saxena 67; Auqib Nabi 6/53). (PTI)
