SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s hopes of securing the Irani Cup were dented on Saturday as Ravichandran Smaran’s unbeaten 126 helped Rest of India recover from 197 for eight to reach 306 for eight at stumps on the third day at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium.
Rest of India, who were bowled out for 237 in their first innings, now lead J&K by 265 runs overall. J&K had secured a crucial 41-run first-innings lead after being dismissed for 278 on Friday.
Smaran remained unbeaten after facing 131 deliveries, hitting 15 fours and five sixes. He shared an unbroken 109-run ninth-wicket partnership with Mukesh Choudhary, who was nine not out off 47 balls at the close.
The stand came after J&K had reduced Rest of India to 197 for eight, with Sahil Lotra and Umar Nazir Mir claiming three wickets each. Lotra finished the day with figures of 3/71 from 26 overs, while Nazir returned 3/87.
J&K had made early inroads after Rest of India resumed at 24 for one. Sanat Sangwan resisted for 160 balls to score 55 before being dismissed by Nazir, who then removed Saransh Jain for 25 and Sarfaraz Khan for a duck in a decisive spell.
Lotra subsequently dismissed Manav Suthar for 16, Rishabh Pant for eight and Akash Deep for one, leaving Rest of India at 197 for eight and bringing J&K within sight of ending the innings.
However, Smaran frustrated the hosts with an attacking century. He reached his hundred from 113 balls and continued to score freely while Choudhary held his end, adding 62 runs in the final 10 overs without losing a wicket.
J&K’s bowling discipline also proved costly, with Rest of India receiving 31 extras, including 21 no-balls.
For J&K, the third day had begun positively as the bowlers kept Rest of India under pressure for most of the innings. But the late ninth-wicket stand has given the visitors a substantial advantage going into the fourth day.
Brief scores: Rest of India 237 & 306/8 in 94 overs (Ravichandran Smaran 126*, Sanat Sangwan 55; Sahil Lotra 3/71, Umar Nazir Mir 3/87) lead Jammu and Kashmir 278 by 265 runs.
