Visitors secure 47-run first-innings lead after strong batting display at Keenan Stadium
Jamshedpur: Uttarakhand strengthened its position against hosts Jharkhand in the first quarter-final of the Ranji Trophy at Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur, on Saturday. By the end of the second day’s play, Uttarakhand had taken a 47-run first-innings lead after scoring 282 runs for the loss of seven wickets, surpassing Jharkhand’s total of 235.
Resuming their innings at 4 without loss, Uttarakhand built a steady foundation through their top order. Opener Bhupen Lalwani scored 24 before being dismissed, after which Avneesh Sudha anchored the innings with a patient knock of 64 runs. Sudha showed good temperament and handled the Jharkhand bowling attack confidently, ensuring stability at the crease.
Following Sudha’s dismissal, Uttarakhand captain Kunal Chandela took charge and played a composed captain’s knock of 68 runs. Chandela struck eight boundaries and shared an important partnership that helped his team move past Jharkhand’s total. His innings further tilted the match in Uttarakhand’s favour.
In the middle order, experienced all-rounder Jagdish Suchith played a crucial role by scoring an unbeaten 60 off 135 balls. His gritty innings proved vital in extending Uttarakhand’s lead. Suchith was well supported by wicketkeeper-batsman Saurabh Rawat, who contributed 32 runs. At stumps, Suchith and Shashwat Dangwal, who was unbeaten on 14, were at the crease.
Jharkhand bowlers struggled to contain the Uttarakhand batsmen throughout the day. Jatin Pandey, Sahil Raj, Saurabh Shekhar, Manishi, and Aditya Singh picked up one wicket each but failed to build sustained pressure. Jharkhand also used the Decision Review System (DRS) on multiple occasions, but the calls did not go in their favour.
Earlier, Jharkhand were bowled out for 235 in their first innings after losing the toss and being asked to bat. Aditya Singh top-scored with 83 runs, while captain Virat Singh added 47. For Uttarakhand, Janmejay Joshi was the most successful bowler with four wickets, while Aditya Rawat claimed three.
With a solid first-innings lead already secured, Uttarakhand will aim to extend their advantage beyond 100 runs on the third day to put Jharkhand under further pressure.
