Col CK Nayudu Trophy: Akshit, Armaan hold on for city, Kerala lead by 107 runs
After the second day heroics of Devang Kasuhik and Nikhil, another batting duo of Akshit Rana and Armaan Jakhar helped Chandigarh reply strongly against Kerala’s first innings 384, in the ongoing Col CK Nayudu Trophy match, at MCG IT Park.
The Chandigarh lads posted 412 to get a 28-run lead over the visitors. In their second innings, Kerala posted 135/7 to take a 107-run lead, at stumps today. Earlier, resuming from their overnight score of 243/4, the local lads posted 412.
Overnight unbeaten Kaushik and Nikhil extended their partnership to 84 runs, before Kiran Sagar accounted Nikhil’s wicket for 68 off 71 balls, with six boundaries and four sixes, and Edhen Apple Tom trapped Kaushik (88 off 202 balls, with six boundaries and three sixes) in front of the wicket. The misery continued for the local side as Tom and Sagar took two quick wickets — Harishit (8) and Ivraj Ranauta (5) —leaving them struggling at 284/7. Next-in Harshit tried his best to hold on to the crease, but couldn’t handle the pressure for long. He was back to the hut for 8 off 40 balls, leaving the side 321/8.
However, a big relief came for Chandigarh as Rana and Jakhar came up with a brilliant 78-run partnership for the ninth wicket. The duo ensured their side overtake Kerala’s first innings total. While Rana was at 97 off 99 balls, with 12 boundaries and three sixes, he played a loose shot and was caught by JS Anuraj off Aisf Ali. Anmol Sharma (0) was the last man out for the Chandigarh innings, while Jakhar was left unbeaten at 28 off 66 balls, with two boundaries and one six. Sagar picked a five-wicket haul to remain most successful wicket taker for the bowling side.
In their second innings, Kerala batters played aggressively, but managed to gather 135 for the loss of seven wickets. Ranauta (3/46) remained the most successful wicket taker for the bowling side, followed by Harshit (2/32), Anmol Sharma (1/19) and Jakhar (1/12). Kerala opener, Riya Basher (47 off 84 balls, with six boundaries) was the main contributor for the side, while Roger added 25 and Varun Nayanar contributed 24.
