Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir produced a commanding batting display on Day 3 of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A encounter against Puducherry, riding on magnificent centuries from openers Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Khajuria to take a crucial 106-run first-innings lead at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday.
Responding to Puducherry’s first-innings total of 385, J&K reached 491 for five in 130 overs at stumps on the third day, putting themselves in a strong position after two of their most experienced opening batters delivered outstanding performances.
Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Khajuria were the architects of J&K’s remarkable turnaround, stitching together a mammoth 344-run opening partnership that effectively put the hosts in control of the contest.
Shubham was the first to reach the three-figure mark, producing a patient yet authoritative innings of 190 runs off 330 deliveries. His knock included 28 boundaries and two sixes, reflecting his ability to combine patience with attacking strokes during a marathon stay at the crease.
Qamran was equally impressive at the other end, scoring 160 runs off 292 balls, with 22 boundaries and a six. The right-handed opener displayed tremendous concentration and temperament, frustrating the Puducherry bowlers with a long and disciplined innings.
Their opening partnership continued until the score reached 344, when Shubham was dismissed by Sagar Udeshi at 99.4 overs. Qamran continued his innings after the breakthrough but departed at 379, caught by Mohit Kale off Ankit Sharma’s bowling after scoring 160.
The massive opening stand provided J&K with precisely the kind of foundation they needed after Puducherry had posted a challenging total in their first innings.
J&K’s middle order also made useful contributions. Abdul Samad scored a quick 37 off 34 deliveries, including three sixes, while Sahil Lotra contributed 30 off just 26 balls, striking five boundaries.
Kawalpreet Singh remained unbeaten on 53 off 91 deliveries, with five boundaries and a six, while wicketkeeper Rydham Sharma was batting on two when stumps were drawn.
Earlier, Puducherry had posted 385 runs in 93.2 overs in their first innings. Mohit Kale top-scored with 73 off 123 deliveries, while Neyan Shyam Kangayan contributed 70 off 126 balls. Sagar Trivedi provided late acceleration with an entertaining 65 off just 46 deliveries.
For J&K, left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar was the standout bowler, claiming six wickets for 98 runs in 28.2 overs. Umar Nazir Mir picked up two wickets, while Waseem Bashir and the remaining bowling attack provided support.
At stumps on Day 3, J&K were 491 for five, leading Puducherry by 106 runs with five wickets still available.
With Kawalpreet Singh and Rydham Sharma at the crease and four recognised batters yet to come, including Umar Nazir Mir, Sunil Kumar, Rohit Sharma and Waseem Bashir, J&K will look to extend their advantage further when play resumes on the fourth day.
The outstanding centuries from Qamran and Shubham have not only given J&K a significant first-innings advantage but also provided a timely boost to their batting unit in the ongoing Ranji Trophy campaign.
