Azhar, Ranjot secure three points for J&K

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 19 

Jammu & Kashmir took home three points, on the basis of the first innings lead, from a draw against hosts Chandigarh in the Vijay Merchant Trophy at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, here today.

Resuming from overnight 61/4, the visitors were restrict to 147 runs in their second innings. 

Overnight unbeaten Uday Partap Singh held the fort and went on to contribute 90 off 140 balls, with 14 boundaries. His overnight unbeaten partner Rydham Sharma contributed 18 off 45 balls, with two boundaries, whereas no other batsmen was able to contribute to the total.

The duo was involved in a 66-run partnership for the fifth wicket to push the score to 116/5. Thereafter, the side lost last five wickets in a quick span of 31 runs. 

Achintya Raj (9) and  Mohd Amaan (4) addea  alittle to the total. Paras Kumar was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed 4/8. His tight spell was supported by Ansh Khosla, who claimed 3/39. Neel Dhaliwal (1/14), Pratham Sodhi (1/27) and Nishunk Birla (1/24) claimed one wicket each.   

In their second innings, Chandigarh boys started off on a disastrous note—despite needing 205 runs for an outright win. The city team opened with Arnav Bansal and Kabir Kalsi. However, the only partnership sayed back for only four runs as Azhar Wani accounted for Bansal.  

Wani struck again as he claimed Sodhi (2) to reduce the side at 19/2. Paras then joined Kalsi and the duo pushed the total to 41 runs by raising a 22-run partnership. However, Ranjot Singh swung into action and claimed both Kalsi (21 off 42 balls, with five boundaries) and Paras (32 off 70 balls, with four boundaries). 

Ranjot did not stop here as he claimed his third wicket—Rajveer Singh (2)—to left the hosts struggling at 61/5. At this stage, Wani took the charge to claim Dhaliwal (0) and Nishunk Birla (4). 

Fearing facing defeat, the city lads had a sigh of relief when Khosla and Ivraj Ranauta came up with a fine 75-run partnership for the 8th wicket—to pull off a draw. The duo remained unbeaten to close the day safe for the city team. Their 75-run stand helped the hosts to achieve 157/7 in 65 overs-- to atleast pocket one point from the tie. 

Khosla (40 off 128 balls, studded with six boundaries and one six) and Ranauta (17 off 101 balls, with two boundaries) kept patience to close the day unbeaten. 

Wani returned with a figure of 4/47, while Ranjot claimed 3/24.