J&K in command, Baroda struggles at 58/2 chasing 365

Srinagar, Feb 1: Jammu and Kashmir tightened their grip on the Ranji Trophy match against Baroda, setting a challenging 365-run target before reducing the visitors to 58/2 by stumps on Day 3 on Saturday.

Shubham Khajuria (94) and Kanhaiya Wadhawan (84) powered J&K’s second innings, while Sahil Lotra’s twin strikes late in the day put Baroda on the backfoot. With just eight wickets needed for victory, J&K heads into the final day with a strong chance to seal the win.

Khajuria, who was in sublime form, fell agonisingly short of a century, dismissed for 94 runs (11 fours) by Mahesh Pithiya. Skipper Paras Dogra (24) followed soon after being trapped by Ninad Rathva. As wickets tumbled, J&K found themselves at 213/5.

Krunal Pandya then delivered a game-changing over, taking two wickets in quick succession, dismissing Nasir Lone for 1 run and Abid Mushtaq for a duck. First-inning hero Kanhaiya Wadhawan once again stood tall.

Wadhawan’s fighting 84, featuring 11 boundaries, was instrumental in pushing J&K to 284. He stitched a crucial 50-run last-wicket partnership with Sunil Kumar before being dismissed by Bhargav Bhatt. J&K were bundled out for 284.

Baroda’s bowlers put up a commendable effort, with Ninad Rathva (3/46), Mahesh Pithiya (3/62), and Krunal Pandya (3/71) leading the attack.

Baroda’s Chase Begins, Lotra Strikes Early

Needing 365 for victory, Baroda openers N.J. Pandya and Shivalik Sharma started positively, but Sahil Lotra provided the breakthrough by dismissing Sharma for 18. He struck again soon after, removing Pandya for 24, leaving Baroda at 43/2.

At stumps, Baroda were 58/2 in 16 overs, with Shashwat Rawat (7*) and Mahesh Pithiya (8*) at the crease. Lotra (8-1-28-2) remained J&K’s key weapon heading into Day 4 as the visitors edged closer to a potential victory. On day 4, Baroda need 307 runs to win, while J&K need 8 wickets to win.