File pic: Andre Siddharth (PTI Photo)
Adopting a cautious approach, TN resumed at their overnight score of 167/4 with C Andre Siddharth and Sonu Yadav. After adding just 36 runs in 24.5 overs, a terrible mix-up between them gifted the hosts the wicket of Yadav. Eying a first-innings lead on a flat track, both the batters didn’t take any risk and slowly built the innings.
JAIPUR: Left-arm spinner Ajay Singh Kukna bagged a five-wicket haul to help Rajasthan take a crucial 89-run first innings lead against Tamil Nadu on the penultimate day of the Ranji Trophy match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Tuesday. Rajasthan ended the eventful Day 3 at 81-4 with an overall lead of 170. Vice-captain Mahipal Lomror (25 batting) and Kartik Sharma (30 batting) were holding fort with an unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 50 runs after the hosts were tottering at 31/4.
A disciplined bowling effort backed by some excellent fielding from Rajasthan brought them back in the match. A slice of luck also helped them and put the rivals on the backfoot. “It was a special effort. I am happy to strike at the crucial juncture to help my team gain a vital lead. Manav and I both come from the same place (Sriganganagar) and we always enjoy bowling in tandem.
We didn’t leak many runs when we were not getting wickets earlier in the day and that ultimately helped us. Unless a dramatic batting collapse happens on Wednesday morning, it will be a herculean task for the Sai Kishore-led team to pull off a victory from the Elite Group D opening encounter. We are in a good position now and can try for an outright win tomorrow,” Kukna told TOI after the day’s play.