Ranji Trophy: Two late wickets give Jharkhand a chance to beat Tamil Nadu on day 3 in Jamshedpur

Manishi picks 3 wickets to give Jharkhand a fighting chance as Tamil Nadu chase 234 in Ranji Trophy Clash

Jamshedpur: Left-arm spinner Manishi kept Jharkhand’s hopes alive on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy clash against Tamil Nadu, as his three-wicket haul helped the hosts stay in the game after their batters faltered in the second innings. With Tamil Nadu needing 97 more runs to win and Jharkhand requiring five wickets, an intriguing Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy awaits at Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur

After electing to bat first, Jharkhand managed 185 in their first innings, with contributions from Sharandeep Singh (52) and Anukul Roy (46). Tamil Nadu’s response was disappointing, as they were bundled out for just 106, thanks to a superb six-wicket haul from Utkarsh Singh. Jharkhand had a crucial 79-run lead, but their batting collapse in the second innings meant Tamil Nadu had a realistic chance of bouncing back.

The second innings started on a disastrous note for Jharkhand, as they lost their first four wickets inside nine overs. Openers Kumar Suraj and Sharandeep Singh both fell for ducks to Tamil Nadu’s lead spinner R Sai Kishore, who was in excellent rhythm. Manishi, promoted up the order, showed some resistance with a 12-run contribution before he too fell to Sai Kishore, leaving Jharkhand struggling at 14 for 3.

Captain Ishan Kishan, who has been out of form, was dismissed for just 7 runs, once again falling victim to Sai Kishore, who finished with figures of 5 for 43. With Jharkhand reeling at 25 for 4, Utkarsh Singh and Virat Singh stitched together a crucial 56-run partnership, steadying the innings. Utkarsh, who had been Jharkhand’s hero with the ball in the first innings, played a gritty knock of 35 runs off 55 balls, including two sixes. Virat Singh contributed 29 before falling to Ajith Ram.

Kumar Kushagra and Aditya Singh added some valuable runs, with Aditya scoring 35, before Jharkhand were eventually bowled out for 154 in 48.4 overs. With a target of 234 to chase, Tamil Nadu had a tricky task ahead, and Jharkhand knew early wickets were essential.

Tamil Nadu’s chase started cautiously, but Manishi’s impact was immediate. He removed both openers, Narayan Jagadeesan (13) and Mohamed Ali (44), setting the tone for a gripping final session of the day. Jagadeesan and Mohamed Ali fell leg-before-wicket, after looking set for a big score. Pradosh Ranjan Paul, who had struggled in the first innings, was bowled by Aditya Singh for 13, leaving Tamil Nadu at 96 for 3.

Vijay Shankar and C Andre Siddarth attempted to stabilize Tamil Nadu’s innings with a 34-run stand. However, Manishi struck again, dismissing Siddarth for 18. Tamil Nadu captain, Sai Kishore, fell soon after to Anukul Roy for just 2 runs, reducing the visitors to 131 for 5 at stumps.

At the end of Day 2, Tamil Nadu were 137 for 5, still needing 97 runs for victory. Vijay Shankar remained unbeaten on 33, along with Ajith Ram, who was on 5. Jharkhand’s bowlers will look to make early inroads on Day 3, with Manishi and Utkarsh Singh expected to play key roles.

For Jharkhand, the primary concern remains their batting. Skipper Ishan Kishan’s repeated failures have put additional pressure on the middle order, and his dismissal for just 7 runs in the second innings further compounded their problems. Jharkhand’s highest scores in the second innings came from Utkarsh Singh and Aditya Singh, both of whom made 35. The team will need to rely on their bowling unit to pull off an unlikely win.

With the match finely poised, Tamil Nadu’s lower order will have to show resilience against Jharkhand’s spin attack. Vijay Shankar, their most experienced batter at the crease, holds the key to their chances of securing victory. However, if Jharkhand can strike early, they may turn the match in their favor.

As the teams head into Day 3, all eyes will be on the first session, which could determine the outcome of the game. A thrilling finish is on the cards, with Jharkhand pushing for a comeback and Tamil Nadu aiming to chase down the target. The battle between bat and ball will make for an exciting day of cricket at Keenan Stadium.