Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 9: A brilliant performance by seamer Auqib Nabi placed Jammu and Kashmir in a commanding position against Kerala on the second day of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal. Nabi claimed a stunning five-wicket haul to help J&K take control, as Kerala struggled at 200 for nine in response to J&K’s first-innings total of 280 all out.
Starting the day at 228 for eight, J&K added 52 more runs, thanks to Nabi’s quickfire 32 from 30 balls and Umar Nazir Mir’s unbeaten 14. Kerala, however, faced a steep challenge as Nabi took four of the first five wickets, including key top-order batsmen. His figures of 5/36 from 19 overs were his eighth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
Kerala’s Jalaj Saxena top-scored with 67 off 78 balls, and Salman Nizar remained unbeaten on 49, but they were unable to build partnerships outside a 94-run stand between them. MD Nidheesh contributed 30 off 36 balls before being dismissed. Nidheesh also claimed 6/75 with the ball for Kerala.
For J&K, Yudhvir Singh (2/61) and Sahil Lotra (2/9) supported Nabi’s heroics, leaving Kerala with just one wicket standing at stumps.
BRIEF SCORES
J&K 1st innings: 280 all out in 95.1 overs (Kanhaiya Wadhawan 48, Lone Nasir 44; MD Nidheesh 6/75).
Kerala 1st innings: 200/9 in 63 overs (Jalaj Saxena 67, Salman Nizar batting 49; Auqib Nabi 5/36).
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