Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 2: After falling behind by a daunting 246 runs in the first innings against Pondicherry, Jammu and Kashmir’s young batters demonstrated exceptional resilience and composure. By stumps on Day 2 of the U-19 Men’s Cooch Behar Trophy match at the JKCA Hostel Ground, J&K had steadied their innings at 137/2, signaling a promising fightback.
Earlier, Pondicherry, resuming at 205/5, posted a commanding first-innings total of 326 runs in response to J&K’s modest 86, building a towering lead of 240 runs.
Haaris Maraicar was the standout performer for Pondicherry, scoring a patient 90 runs off 221 balls, laced with 11 fours. Shiva Subash also delivered a powerful cameo of 63 runs, adorned with 6 boundaries and 3 sixes.
J&K’s bowling attack found some rhythm, with Abdul Basit Lone and captain Dhruv Sharma each claiming two wickets. Faizan Ahmad chipped in with two, while Waseem Zulfkar took one wicket.
In J&K’s second innings, the young batsmen began to stabilize the innings. Arjun Sharma remained unbeaten on 52 runs off 117 balls, anchored with 6 crisp boundaries, while skipper Dhruv Sharma added a confident 21 runs. The team also saw valuable contributions from Salman Ahmad Bakshi, who scored a resilient 53 off 84 balls with 7 fours and one six, and Kamaksh Sharma, who chipped in with 1 run.
Despite still trailing by 103 runs with 8 wickets in hand, J&K looks determined to build on this foundation. Pondicherry’s Krishan Yadav and S Hari Prasath took one wicket each in the second innings.
The match remains poised for an exciting contest as J&K aims to erase the deficit and shift momentum.
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