02/12/2025
J&K batters show remarkable grit after conceding a massive lead to Pondicherry
JAMMU, Dec 2: After falling behind by a daunting 246 runs in the first innings against Pondicherry, Jammu and Kashmir’s young batters demonstrated exceptional resilience and composure. By stumps on Day 2 of the U-19 Men's Cooch Behar Trophy match at the JKCA Hostel Ground, J&K had steadied their innings at 137/2, signaling a promising fightback.
Earlier, Pondicherry, resuming at 205/5, posted a commanding first-innings total of 326 runs in response to J&K’s modest 86, building a towering lead of 240 runs.
Haaris Maraicar was the standout performer for Pondicherry, scoring a patient 90 runs off 221 balls, laced with 11 fours. Shiva Subash also delivered a powerful cameo of 63 runs, adorned with 6 boundaries and 3 sixes.
J&K’s bowling attack found some rhythm, with Abdul Basit Lone and captain Dhruv Sharma each claiming two wickets. Faizan Ahmad chipped in with two, while Waseem Zulfkar took one wicket.
In J&K’s second innings, the young batsmen began to stabilize the innings. Arjun Sharma remained unbeaten on 52 runs off 117 balls, anchored with 6 crisp boundaries, while skipper Dhruv Sharma added a confident 21 runs. The team also saw valuable contributions from Salman Ahmad Bakshi, who scored a resilient 53 off 84 balls with 7 fours and one six, and Kamaksh Sharma, who chipped in with 1 run.Despite still trailing by 103 runs with 8 wickets in hand, J&K looks determined to build on this foundation. Pondicherry’s Krishan Yadav and S. Hari Prasath took one wicket each in the second innings.
The match remains poised for an exciting contest as J&K aims to erase the deficit and shift momentum.