Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 18: J&K inched closer to victory in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group-D clash against Hyderabad at the JKCA Hostel Ground, thanks to a combination of exceptional batting and incisive spin bowling. Following a dominant first-innings performance by their top-order, the J&K spinners Abid Mushtaq and Sahil Lotra struck decisively in Hyderabad’s second innings, taking crucial wickets and putting their opponents under pressure.
Resuming from an overnight score of 275/4, J&K amassed a formidable 422 runs in their first innings in reply to Hyderabad’s 170, setting a massive target of 472 runs. Abdul Samad led the batting onslaught, playing a masterclass innings of 125 runs off 200 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes. Kanhaiya Wadhawan supported him with a superb 95 off 110 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six. Hyderabad’s Tanay Thyagarajan was the most successful bowler in the innings, taking 4 wickets, while Kartikeya Kak claimed 2 wickets.
Chasing the huge target, Hyderabad struggled at 169/7 at stumps on Day 3. Tanmay Aggarwal (47) and G Aniketh Reddy (35*) were the only players showing resistance, as the rest of the batting lineup faltered under sustained pressure. J&K’s spin duo mirrored the earlier success of pacers Sunil Kumar and Aquib Nabi with Abid Mushtaq capturing 4 wickets for 56 runs in 16 overs and Sahil Lotra taking 2 wickets. Aquib Nabi also contributed a wicket to maintain J&K’s dominance.
With Hyderabad still trailing by 303 runs with just three wickets remaining, J&K is firmly in command and looks poised to secure a crucial victory in the Group-D encounter.
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