Ranji Trophy | Rain interrupts Kerala’s push for outright win against Uttar Pradesh

Heavy rain disrupts Kerala's push for victory, benefiting Uttar Pradesh in Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match.

Heavy rain hampered Kerala’s attempt to secure an outright win and improved Uttar Pradesh’s chances of salvaging a draw as more than two sessions of play were washed out on the penultimate day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C encounter at the KCA-St. Xavier’s College ground here on Friday.

After conceding a huge 233-run first innings lead, the visitors were 66 for two when a drizzle forced the players off half an hour into the post-lunch session. The drizzle intensified into a heavy downpour with thunder and lightning, leading the umpires to call off play at 2.30 p.m.

UP lost its captain, Aryan Juyal, and Priyam Garg in the second innings, and was in a spot of bother before the skies opened up.

Earlier, Mohammed Azharuddeen attacked the Uttar Pradesh bowling, striking four crisp boundaries as Kerala sought quick runs.

Salman Nizar (93, 202b, 9x4, 3x6) struggled with his timing and was also affected by a hamstring injury, forcing him to leave the field for treatment. Basil Thampi’s stay was brief, lasting only two deliveries before Saurabh Kumar trapped him in front.

Aaqib Khan’s delivery struck K.M. Asif on the helmet, forcing him to retire hurt. Salman returned to continue his innings. He nudged Saurabh Kumar to fine leg and ran three, which aggravated his injury.

Azharuddeen, who had been batting fluently up to that point, lost his composure and top-edged a hook off Aaqib, which was well caught by Aryan behind the stumps.