Dindgul (TN), Dec 14:
Off-spinner Malolan Rangarajan scored a quickfire 93 to help Tamil Nadu reach a first innings total of 254 against giant-killers Jammu and Kashmir in a second round Ranji Trophy cricket tournament here today.
On a track offering substancial turn, left-arm spinner Waseem Raza grabbed 5/68 as Rangarajan’s 75-ball innings studded with 14 boundaries and three sixes gave his team’s total some semblance of respectability.
In reply, J&K were also in a spot of bother finishing the day at 28 for three as spin troika of Rahil Shah, R Aushik Srinivas and Rangarajan getting a wicket apiece.
No other Tamil Nadu batsman could cross half-century with Baba Indrajith contributing 37 and opener Abhinav Mukund chipping in with 35. Dinesh Karthik (9) again failed.
In the last nine innings in domestic cricket, which includes both first-class and List A matches, Karthik has been able to score only one half-century.
Tamil Nadu were staring at a total of less than 175 when Raza and other bowlers reduced the hosts to 144 for seven before Rangarajan came to the party. He added 49 for the eighth wicket with former skipper L Balaji (9) and 54 for the ninth wicket with Shah (6).
Rangarajan was the dominant partner during both stands as he finally edged one from pacer Samiullah Beigh to glovesman Obaid Haroon behind the stumps.
Brief Scores: Tamil Nadu 1st Innings 254 in 80.2 overs (Malolan Rangarajan 93, Baba Indrajith 37, Waseem Raza 5/68)
Jammu and Kashmir 1st Innings: 28/3. (PTI)
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