Kerala dominates day 1, Nidheesh's fiery-five puts J&K on backfoot at 228/8
Srinagar, Feb 8: Kerala’s disciplined bowling attack kept Jammu and Kashmir in check on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Saturday.
After losing the toss and being put to bat, J&K found themselves in early trouble as Kerala pacer MD Nidheesh ran through the top order, picking up a five-wicket haul (5/56). Openers Shubham Khajuria (14) and Yawer Hassan (24) struggled to build momentum, with Nidheesh removing both within the first 22 overs. Vivrant Sharma (8) and captain Paras Dogra (14) also fell cheaply, leaving J&K at a precarious 67/4.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan (48 off 80 balls) and all-rounder Sahil Lotra (35 off 125 balls) attempted to stabilise the innings with a 55-run partnership. However, Kerala’s disciplined bowling, led by Nidheesh and supported by Basil Thampi (1/31) and Aditya Sarwate (1/32), ensured that the pressure remained on J&K.
For Jammu and Kashmir, Wadhawan top-scored with 48 off 80 balls, while Nasir Lone made 44. Sahil Lotra (35) and Yawar Hassan (24) also got the starts but failed to convert them into big scores, spelling trouble for their side.
However, Nasir Lone’s resilient knock of 44 formed another crucial partnership with Lotra before both batters fell in quick succession. Abid Mushtaq (19) showed some aggression, but he too was dismissed late in the day by Nedumankuzhy Basil (1/59).
Kerala bowlers dominated throughout, with Nidheesh’s fiery spell being the highlight of the day. Spinners Jalaj Saxena (0/50) and Sarwate (1/32) kept things tight in the middle overs, preventing J&K from accelerating.
With just two wickets in hand, J&K will look to add crucial runs on the second day to challenge Kerala. Meanwhile, Kerala will aim to wrap up the innings quickly and gain an early advantage in the knockout clash.
Score Summary (Day 1 Stumps)
Jammu & Kashmir 1st innings: 228/8 in 86 overs (Kanhaiya Wadhawan 48, Nasir Lone 44, MD Nidheesh 5/56, Nedumankuzhy Basil 1/59)
Kerala Bowling: MD Nidheesh 23-6-56-5, Basil Thampi 14-2-31-1, Aditya Sarwate 14-3-32-1, Nedumankuzhy Basil 20-1-59-1
Day 2 Preview: Can J&K’s tail add vital runs, or will Kerala dominate with the bat? All eyes will be on Kerala’s batting performance as they look to take control of the game.
At stumps on Day 1, J&K were 228 for 8 in 86 overs, with Yudhvir Singh Charak (17*) and Auqib Nabi Dar (5*) at the crease.
Notably, the J&K Ranji team has so far topped Elite Group A with five wins in seven games, including one over Mumbai. Meanwhile, Kerala finished second behind Haryana in Elite Group C.
