The penultimate day of the Cooch Behar Under-19 Trophy quarterfinal between Rajasthan and Punjab witnessed a gritty fightback from the Rajasthan batters, setting up a tense final day at the Gokulbhai Somabhai Patel Stadium in Nadiad on Saturday.
Unbeaten Partnership Steadies Rajasthan's Ship
Facing a significant first-innings deficit, Rajasthan's second innings was anchored by a defiant, unbroken sixth-wicket stand between Aditay Saini (55*) and Naved Khan (52*). Their unbeaten half-centuries propelled Rajasthan to 183 for 5 in 49 overs at stumps, giving their team a slender but crucial lead of 24 runs with five wickets still in hand.
Punjab's First Innings Built on Virk's Marathon Knock
Earlier in the day, Punjab resumed their first innings from an overnight score of 237 for 7. They were eventually bowled out for 369, adding 132 runs to their tally. The innings was dominated by opener Sagar Virk's magnificent 194. He found solid support from Rajvir Jaiswal, who scored 54, as the pair added 135 runs for the eighth wicket, stretching Punjab's lead.
Final Day Awaits with All to Play For
With the match poised for an exciting finish, Sunday will be the decisive final day. Rajasthan will look to extend their lead significantly, while Punjab's bowlers, led by Adhiraj Singh Mangat (3-29), will aim for early breakthroughs to chase a manageable target. For Punjab, Jatin Saini (4-80) and Karn (3-71) were the most successful bowlers in the first innings.
Brief Scores: Rajasthan 210 & 183/5 in 49 overs (Aditay Saini 55*, Naved Khan 52*; Adhiraj Singh Mangat 3-29) vs Punjab 369 in 120.2 overs (Sagar Virk 194, Rajvir Jaiswal 54; Jatin Saini 4-80, Karn 3-71).
