Tamil Nadu’s improved batting performance in the second innings was small consolation for the bowling failures in the Ranji Trophy match against Punjab at the PCA Stadium on Sunday.
Having conceded a first innings lead of 264 runs, Tamil Nadu ended the penultimate day of the contest at 166 for three.
“We would obviously look to claim a point from this match,” said a disappointed TN coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar.
“We haven’t played to our potential as a batting unit. This was not a pitch to get out for just 215. We could have batted much better,” he summed up the first day’s debacle which put TN under pressure.
The innings by Shubman Gill, who was out for 268 this afternoon, after adding 69 runs to his overnight score, proved decisive for the home team, which also had to win to stay in the reckoning.
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Gill’s 328-ball knock contained 29 fours and a six. Yuvraj Singh and Gurkeerat Singh Mann propelled the lead as TN tried hard to hang in.
Gill’s batting brilliance pushed left-arm spinner’s R. Sai Kishore’s six-wicket haul into the background.
“It was heartening to see Sai’s effort. I am glad he got wickets because it will give him the confidence in the remaining matches. We had a small total to defend and the bowlers did their best. They performed as close to what we expected of them,” said Kanitkar.
TN may have had issues with concentration from its batsmen on the first day but Abhinav Mukund and N. Jagadeesan gave a good account of their potential with a 91-run opening wicket partnership.
Mukund batted 141 balls for his 74 with seven fours while Jagadeesan cracked his 50 off 59 balls with six fours and a six before Yuvraj induced a snick from him.
Baba Aparajith fell leg before first ball to Yuvraj and TN had its back to the wall. A stand of 67 runs between Mukund and skipper Baba Indrajith ensured TN’s batting did not collapse.
With the deficit of 98 runs, TN has a task at hand to avoid a defeat on the final day. “The pitch has eased quite a bit,” remarked Punjab bowling coach Harvinder Singh.
It could be a comforting thought to the visitor.
Brief Scores:
At Mohali: Tamil Nadu 215 & 166 for three in 46 overs (Abhinav Mukund 74, N. Jagadeesan 50) vs. Punjab 479 in 118.5 overs (Shubman Gill 268, Mandeep Singh 50, Yuvrajj Singh 41, Gurkeerat Mann 48, R. Sai Kishore six for 107).
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