Ranji Trophy | Pacers bundle Bengal out for 99 as J & K inches closer to victory

Pacers bundle Bengal out for 99 as J & K inches closer to victory

In a sensational turn of events that included 17 dismissals in 63.2 overs, Jammu and Kashmir scripted a remarkable comeback to inch closer to victory over Bengal on the third day of Ranji Trophy semifinal at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground here on Tuesday.

As two pacers, the seasoned Mohammed Shami and the promising Auqib Nabi, went about their business in an exceptional manner for their respective teams, the day produced a mixed bag of emotions for the home fans. Beginning at 198 for five, J & K banked on its batting depth to total 302 even as Shami recorded his maiden eight-wicket haul in First Class cricket and ensured a 26-run first-innings lead for Bengal.

The host dramatically collapsed for 99 in its second essay, setting a modest 126-run target for the visitor to seal a spot in the title decider. J & K stood at 43 for two at stumps.

The opening session belonged to Shami, who breathed fire to take five wickets in two spells. The 35-year-old extracted movement and struck in the second over of the day, having Abid Mushtaq caught at first slip. Six overs later, he had Kanhaiya Wadhawan caught behind.

J & K’s defiant lower-order batters, Nabi (42, 54b, 5x4, 1x6) and Yudhvir Singh (33, 42b, 2x4, 2x6), unleashed attractive shots in their resolute 64-run ninth-wicket stand. But a persistent Shami returned to disturb Yudhvir and Nabi’s off-stump before lunch.

However, Bengal did not capitalise on the advantage. It capitulated spectacularly to be bundled out in two-and-a-half hours in its second innings. The batters’ lack of intent and application, besides poor shot selection, was baffling.