KALYANI (WB): Jammu and Kashmir pacer Samiullah Beigh returned with a six-wicket haul but the team found itself on the backfoot as Kerala remained in the hunt for a first innings lead in a rain-interrupted Ranji Trophy group C match here today.
In reply to Kerala’s 306 in the first innings, Jammu and Kashmir were 106 for five in 29 overs, trailing by 200 runs on the penultimate day when rain halted the proceedings at 12.59pm.
J and K responded in an aggressive fashion with Adil Reshi’s 40 from 38 balls (6×4). He along with Shubham Khajuria (12) put up 57 runs from 62 balls before left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla struck.
The signing from Mumbai finished with 3/32, while another left-arm spinner K Monish also joined in the act in a tidy 2/6 from his four overs as the duo took regular wickets before rain played halted their march for a second successive day.
Only 34.5 overs could be possible on day three which was called off at 2.30 as the match headed for a draw.
Wet outfield following yesterday’s downpour had delayed the start of the day for 30 minutes as Kerala resuming on 282 for seven were bundled out in 102.1 overs with Sanju Samson’s 154 being the highlight of the morning.
The 21-year-old Sanju hit 24 boundaries and one six in his patient knock spanning seven hours and 10 minutes stretching three days.
Earlier, J and K pacer Beigh (6/82) gave the breakthrough dismissing Manu Krishan (18) in the third over of the day to snap his brilliant 52-run eighth wicket partnership with Sanju.
Unbeaten on his overnight score of 142, Sanju got to 150 in 286 balls before becoming seamer Ram Dayal’s third victim.
Brief Scores
Kerala 1st Innings 306; 102.1 overs (Sanju Samson 154; Samiullah Beigh 6/82, Ram Dayal 3/88).
Jammu and Kashmir 1st Innings 106/5; 29 overs (Adil Reshi 40, Iqbal Abdulla 3/32, K Monish 2/6). Match to continue. (AGENCIES)
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