Srinagar: The long awaited season’s first Ranji Trophy century for veteran Paras Dogra has ignited J&K’s Ranji trophy semifinal dream as the J&K on the final day of the quarterfinal need 8-wickets to win while as Kerala need 299 runs to turn the tables on J&K at MCA Stadium Pune.
Paras Dogra scored his first century of the season as the and had gone 14 innings without the one for J&K for whom he plays as guest player and captain.
Dogra scored 132 and had crucial stand of 146 runs with Kanhaiya Wadhawan, followed by a 50-run stand for the fifth wicket with Sahil Lotra as they guided J&K to 399/9 and earn a massive 398-run lead. In reply Kerala ended the fourth day’s play at a 100 /2, still trailing by 299 runs.
On the final day, the Kerala need a huge effort from its batters to overhaul the total while as J&K’s pace attack will be hoping to do what they have been doing all through the season.
Wadhawan scored 64before his inning was cut short by Basil. However, Dogra stood firm and rebuilt along with Lotra en route to his 32nd ton in red-ball cricket.
Dogra was ultimately cleaned up by Aditya Sarvate before Nidheesh claimed a couple of quick wickets to claim another four-four. Sahil Lotra scored 59.
The final day is going to be battle between Kerale Batters like Sachin Baby, Salman Nizar and J&K pace bowlers led by Aquib Nabi, Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh. It is going to be exciting day of cricket with both results possible and unlikely draw. J&K despite only taking two wickets, still have upper hand and on a new day and volatile 5th day wicket, J&K can make history by cruising into semifinal first time ever.
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: 399/10 ( Dogra 132, Wadhawan 64, Sahil 59, Nidheesh 4-wkts) lead by 179 runs
Kerala: 100/2 ( Rohan 36, Chandran 32*, Yudhvir 2-wkts) need 299 runs to win