Srinagar, Feb 11 (KNO): On the fourth day of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 quarterfinal at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir took control of the match against Kerala, thanks to a century by skipper Paras Dogra.
J&K set Kerala a challenging target of 399 runs to win, with Kerala ending the day at 100 for 2, needing 299 more runs on the final day to secure a victory.
Dogra, resuming his innings at 73, scored 132 runs, including 13 fours and two sixes, to anchor J&K’s second innings total of 399 for 9 declared. He was well-supported by Kanhaiya Wadhawan, who contributed 64 runs off 116 balls, and Sahil Lotra, who added a quick 59 off 77 balls.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Yudhvir Singh also played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten on 27 to help J&K extend their lead.
For Kerala, pacer MD Nidheesh was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 89 runs. Nedumankuzhy Basil and Aditya Sarwate also chipped in with two wickets each.
In their second innings, Kerala started steadily but lost two key wickets.
Rohan Kunnummal scored a brisk 36 off 39 balls before being caught by Wadhawan off Yudhvir Singh’s bowling. Shoun Roger fell cheaply for 6, leaving Kerala at 70 for 2. Akshay Chandran (32 not out) and Captain Sachin Baby (19 not out) then steadied the innings, guiding Kerala to 100 for 2 at stumps.
With one day remaining, Kerala faces an uphill task to chase down the target on a fifth-day pitch. J&K, on the other hand, will rely on their bowlers to secure a spot in the semifinals.
The highest successful chase in Ranji Trophy history stands at 378, achieved by Railways against Tripura last season. If Kerala fails to complete the chase, their only route to the semifinals is to bat out the entire fifth day—a daunting task against J&K’s potent bowling attack—(KNO)