Srinagar: He has been phenomenal throughout the Ranji season and on Sunday, the new face of J&K cricket pace all-rounder Auqib Nabi made sure that J&K end day two of ongoing Ranji Trophy quarterfinal vs Kerala with proper advantage and bright chances of making it to semifinal.
At the end of Day 2 , Kerala are struggling in their first inning at 200/9 , trailing J&K’s first inning total of 280 runs by 80 runs.
Throughout the day, it was Auqib Nabi who shined brightly for J&K. First with the bat and then with the ball to put J&K in total control of the game. Auqib scored 30 ball 32 with the bat and then went on to pick another five wicket haul in this seasons Ranji Trophy.
Auqib Nabi who claimed 5/36 ran through Kerala’s top-order before Jalaj Saxena scored 67 run knock and Salman Nizar put up a fight to help Kerala end the day at 200 for 9.
Nabi made sure to pick three to order wickets of Kerala in shape of Rohan Kunnumal, Shaun Roger, and captain Sachin Baby. Spinner Sahil Lotra dismissed Chandran to add to Kerala’s woes.
In the final session, seamer Yudhvir Singh trapped Mohammad Azharuddeen leg-before before dismissing Aditya Sarvate. Reeling at 137 for 7, breaching the 200-run mark looked like an uphill task for Kerala. But Salman Nizar came to the rescue with an unbeaten 75-ball-49.
Auqib Nabi claimed his eighth fifer in first class cricket – cleaning up NP Basil. Auqib has already become highest wicketaker from J&K in a single season. He currently stand at second place in this seasons Ranji Trophy wicket list. It is going to be an uphill task for Kerala to save this match while as an excellent opportunity for J&K to seal place in semifinal.
Ranji Trophy Quarterfinal: J&K vs Kerala
First Inning:
J&K: 280/10 (Kanhaiya 48, Nasir 44, Nidhesh 6-wkts, Sarwate 2-wkts)
Kerala: 200/9 (Jalaj Saxena 67, Salman Nizar 49*, Auqib Nabi 5-wkts, Yudhvir 2 wkts, Sahil 2-wkts) Trail J&K by 80 runs