In a gripping Ranji Trophy Elite Group A encounter at Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur, opener Shikhar Mohan delivered a stellar performance, scoring a brisk 80 off 91 balls to anchor Jharkhand's innings. His knock, embellished with 14 boundaries and a maximum, propelled the hosts to 244 for six from 67 overs in reply to Odisha's first-innings total of 282. This spirited effort has placed Jharkhand within striking distance, trailing by a mere 38 runs with four wickets still in hand as the match heads into the third day.
Solid Contributions from Jharkhand's Middle Order
Beyond Mohan's standout innings, Jharkhand received valuable support from other key players. Wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra contributed a solid 47 runs, while skipper Virat Singh added 32 to the scoreboard. Robin Minz remained unbeaten on 37, showcasing resilience at the crease, with Aditya Singh (6 not out) providing company at stumps on the second day. Their combined efforts have kept Jharkhand firmly in contention, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the match.
Odisha's Bowling Efforts and Debutant's Impact
On the bowling front, Odisha's right-arm fast bowler Rajesh Mohanty made his presence felt by claiming two wickets for 37 runs. However, the spotlight was on 18-year-old debutant Sayed Tufayl Ahmad, who impressed with his left-arm orthodox spin. Ahmad bowled 21 overs, taking three crucial wickets for 73 runs, demonstrating composure and skill in his first-class debut. His performance added depth to Odisha's attack, though Jharkhand's batters managed to build partnerships to counter the pressure.
Jharkhand's Innings: Early Setback and Recovery
Jharkhand faced an early setback when opener Sharandeep Singh was dismissed for just 8 runs. However, Mohan and Kushagra steadied the innings with a robust 98-run partnership for the second wicket, lending much-needed solidity. Despite this foundation, wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter, with subsequent batters getting starts but failing to convert them into big scores. This pattern slightly pegged Jharkhand back, but the lower order's resistance ensured they stayed close to Odisha's total.
Odisha's First Innings Wrap-Up
Earlier in the day, Odisha resumed their first innings at 242 for six but could only add 40 more runs to their overnight score. Veteran batter Biplab Samantray, who was unbeaten on 38, failed to add any runs to his tally. Rajesh Mohanty's contribution of 25 runs helped Odisha reach a final total of 282, setting a competitive target for Jharkhand to chase in this tightly contested match.
Group Standings and Other Match Updates
In another Elite Group A match in Sovima, leaders Andhra, with 28 points, were positioned at 267 for five in 70 overs in their first innings at stumps on the second day. They are replying to Nagaland's total of 366, still trailing by 99 runs. CR Gnaneshwar was batting impressively on 87 off 120 balls, with KV Sasikanth (31) providing support. Jharkhand, currently second in the group and tied on 25 points with Vidarbha, will be closely monitoring the outcome of this match as it could influence their standings in the tournament.
Brief Scores: Odisha (overnight 242/6) 282 in 104.5 overs (Biplab Samantray 38; Aditya Singh 3/35, Saurabh Shekhar 3/43). Jharkhand 244/6 in 67 overs (Shikhar Mohan 80, Kumar Kushagra 47, Robin Minz 37 batting; Sayed Tufayl Ahmad 3/73). The match is set to continue, promising more exciting cricket action in the days ahead.
