Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 23: Jammu & Kashmir secured a strong position on the opening day of their Col CK Nayudu Trophy U-23 match against Kerala at the St Xavier’s College Ground, Trivandram today.
Opting to bat first, Kerala were bowled out for 165 in 64.2 overs. Left-arm spinner Sarvashish Singh was the standout performer for J&K, returning impressive figures of 5/56 in 14.2 overs. He was well supported by left-arm pacer Basit Bashir, who picked up 2/19, and left-arm orthodox spinner Vishal Kumar with 2/37. Right-arm seamer Atif Bin Mushtaq contributed with one wicket for 24 runs.
For Kerala, Ahammed Imran top-scored with 43 runs, while wicketkeeper Varun Nayanar added 32. Skipper Abijith Praveen V and Rohan Nair chipped in with 24 runs each, but the batting line-up failed to build substantial partnerships.
In reply, Jammu & Kashmir reached 70 for 2 in 17.5 overs at stumps. Opener Kamaksh Sharma provided a brisk start with 41 off 35 balls, including five fours and a six. Captain Shivansh Sharma remained unbeaten on 16 as J&K trailed by 95 runs with eight wickets in hand, putting the side in a favourable position going into Day two.
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