Ranji struggler Chandigarh took a big step towards securing its first win of the season as Kerala, after conceding a huge lead of 277 runs, slumped to 21 for two in its second innings on the second day of the Elite Group B match at the KCA Stadium here on Friday.
Kerala’s batting in the final session epitomised the team’s recent travails as the disciplined Chandigarh bowlers removed the openers to put their side in command.
Abhishek J. Nair (four) hung his bat out to a delivery that nipped away from left-arm pacer Karthik Sandil and gave a routine catch to wicketkeeper Arjit Singh. Concussion substitute Rohan S. Kunnummal (for injured A.K. Akarsh) got a life on five but couldn’t make it count as he was pinned in front for 11, playing back to off-spinner Vishu Kashyap.
Earlier, Chandigarh crossed 400 for the first time this season and its innings was built around centuries from overnight batters Arjun Azad (102, 123b, 15×4, 1×6) and Manan Vohra (113, 206b, 11×4, 1×6). Arjit chipped in with 52 (98b, 8×4) and contributions from Taranpreet Singh (25) and Vishu (31) swelled the visitor’s lead.
Chandigarh’s Arjun Azad plays a shot.
| Photo Credit:
NIRMAL HARINDRAN
The Kerala bowling was wayward and Chandigarh scored at a brisk rate in the first session. Arjun struck Eden Apple Tom for three boundaries to complete his ton but was dismissed right after reaching the milestone, playing on.
Vohra, close to reaching the three-figure mark, hoisted B. Aparajith for a six over midwicket and tucked the bowler to fine-leg for a couple to complete his century. Shivam Bhambri (41) played positively and attacked the spinners during the third-wicket alliance with Vohra which yielded 82 runs
However, Vishnu Vinod’s part-time off-spin brought a double break after lunch to lift Kerala’s spirits. Bhambri and Vohra were dismissed in back-to-back overs by Vishnu but Arjit strengthened Chandigarh’s chances with a half-century.
Arjit was involved in the 65-run stand for the fifth wicket with Taranpreet. Eden, striving for recompense after his wayward first spell, didn’t allow the tail to prosper and finished with four for 61 as Chandigarh slumped from 370 for five to 416 all out.
The scores: Kerala — 1st innings: 139.
Chandigarh — 1st innings: Nikhil Thakur c Azharuddeen b Nidheesh 11, Arjun Azad b Eden 102, Manan Vohra lbw b Vishnu 113, Shivam Bhambri c Aparajith b Vishnu 41, Arjit Singh st. Azharuddeen b Aparajith 52, Taranpreet Singh b Sreehari 25, Vishu Kashyap c Azharuddeen b Eden 31, Nishunk Birla c Abhishek b Eden 6, Jagjit Singh b Eden 15, Rohit Dhanda (not out) 1, Karthik Sandil b Ankit 0; Extras (b-16, lb-1, nb-2): 19; Total (in 115.4 overs): 416.
Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-186, 3-268, 4-273, 5-338, 6-370, 7-395, 8-402, 9-415.
Kerala bowling: Nidheesh 19-0-71-1, Aparajith 15-1-65-1, Sreehari 25-5-93-1, Ankit 34.4-6-83-1, Eden 15-4-61-4, Vishnu 7-0-26-2.
Kerala — 2nd innings: Abhishek J. Nair c Arjit b Karthik 4, Rohan S. Kunnummal (concussion sub) lbw b Vishu 11, Sachin Baby (batting) 4; Extras (w-1, lb-1): 2; Total (for two wkts. in 5.5 overs): 21.
Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-21.
Chandigarh bowling: Karthik 2-0-5-1, Nishunk 2-0-8-0, Rohit 1-0-6-0, Vishu 0.5-0-1-1.
