Srinagar: The Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal between J&K and Kerala belonged mostly to the valiant fighting century scored by Kerala batter Salman Nizar followed by a solid recovery in second inning for J&K by captain Paras Dogra and youngster Kanhaiya Wadhawan.
Kerala on Monday at MCA Stadium Pune started the days at 200/9, with all odds against them and little hopes of last wicket stand making it too far and even close to J&K’s first inning total of 280. But Nizar (112 n.o., 172b, 12×4, 4×6) had other plans and did what many not had even imagined.
Salman Nizar forged an 81-run partnership with Basil Thampi and ensured that Kerala earned a one-run lead.
Auqib Nabi claiming his sixth wicket, dismissed Thampi not allowing Kerala to extend the lead further.
In reply J&K had a shaky start in its second innings, as MD Nidheesh dismissed openers Shubham Khajuria and Yawer Hassan early, before Vivrant Sharma failed to capitalise getting out to NP Basil delivery.
However, captain Paras Dogra led J&K’s recovery and ensured that there weren’t further slip-ups. Dogra scored unbeaten 73 as J&K ended the day at 180 for 3, with a lead of 179 runs. It is first Ranji Trophy fifty of the season for Dogra while playing for J&K. This is crucial inning from him and J&K would want big ton from him on Tuesday.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan, chipped in with an unbeaten 42 to forge an 102-run partnership for the fourth wicket and keep J&K in the hunt.
The match is evenly posied at the moment with both teams having excellent chance to make it to semifinal. If J&K with the help of Dogra goes on to post anywhere around 300 on board, then Kerala may find it difficult to chase in fourth innings.
J&K vs Kerala Ranji Trophy Quaterfinal:
Brief Score:
First Inning:
J&K: 280/10 (Kanhaiya 48, Nasir 44, Nidhesh 6-wkts, Sarwate 2-wkts)
Kerala: 200/9 (Salman Nizar 112*, Jalaj Saxena 67, Auqib Nabi 6-wkts, Yudhvir 2 wkts, Sahil 2-wkts)
2nd Innings:
J&K: 180/3 ( Dogra 73*, Wadhawan 42*, Nidheesh 2-wkts) lead by 179 runs