A spectacular century from opening batter Kamaksh Sharma ignited a spirited fightback for Jammu and Kashmir against Rajasthan on the third day of their Cooch Behar Under-19 Trophy Elite Group match in Jaipur. Sharma's aggressive knock kept his team in the hunt while chasing a mammoth target of 478 runs at the KL Saini Stadium on Thursday.
Kamaksh Sharma's Blistering Knock
Facing a daunting situation after being bundled out for 65 in their first innings, Jammu and Kashmir's reply in the second innings was spearheaded by the brilliant Kamaksh Sharma. The opener played a scintillating innings, scoring 122 runs from just 120 deliveries. His knock was laced with 13 boundaries and six massive sixes, providing the momentum his team desperately needed.
Sharma built crucial partnerships to stabilize the innings. He added 89 runs for the second wicket with Arjun Sharma (21) and then put on 75 runs for the third wicket with Arman Sharma (31). Thanks largely to his heroics, Jammu and Kashmir reached stumps at 256 for the loss of five wickets, still needing 222 more runs for an improbable victory on the final day.
The Mountainous Task Ahead
At the close of play on Day 3, the unbeaten pair of Faizan Ahmad (33*) and Shiva Thakur (18*) were holding the fort. Their unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 41 runs has given the visiting side a glimmer of hope. However, with only five wickets in hand and a required rate above four runs per over, the task on Friday remains monumental.
The day began with Rajasthan resuming their second innings at their overnight score of 249 for six. They managed to add 86 more runs before being bowled out for 335, setting the huge target. Naved Khan was the star for the hosts, converting his overnight 33 not out into a vital 89-run contribution. Aditay Saini (86) and Rajat Baghel (73) also made significant scores earlier in the innings.
Match Situation and Brief Scores
For Jammu and Kashmir, bowler Faizan Ahmad was the most successful, claiming 4 wickets for 43 runs. The match is now poised for an intriguing final day where J&K will aim to bat out the day for a draw or chase down the remaining runs, while Rajasthan needs five wickets to secure victory.
Brief Scores:
Rajasthan: 207 & 335 all out in 101.2 overs (Naved Khan 89, Aditay Saini 86, Rajat Baghel 73; Faizan Ahmad 4/43).
Jammu & Kashmir: 65 & 256/5 in 56 overs (Kamaksh Sharma 122, Faizan Ahmad 33*, Arman Sharma 31; Prakhar Sharma 2/54).
