Excelsior Sport Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 7: The duo of swashbuckling opening batsman Neyan Kangayan and promising middle-order batsman Nitin Pranaav V butchered poor Jammu and Kashmir bowlers in a huge partnership of 207 runs to enable their team score 320/7 in 116 overs, thus gaining a crucial first innings lead of 115 runs over J&K on Day-2 of the 4-day Cooch Behari Trophy match at Kandukuri Cricket Academy Ground, Vizag today.
Earlier, resuming from an overnight total of 93/1, Pondicherry lost the second wicket at the same score, before the pair of Neyan and Nitin took the score to 300 runs when Neyan was dismissed by part-time bowler Mohammad Manzir at his individual score of 180 runs off 299 balls. His innings was an amalgam of solidity and aggression as he hit the ball with fluid, grace and utter brilliance. He was simply at his butchering best, while Nitin was also perfect in application and played a valuable but sedate innings of 84 runs off 229 balls.
S Saichetan (2) and KG Shree Varshan (10) were at the crease at the draw of stumps today.
The pathetic show of J&K bowlers continued as none of the bowlers was impressive for major part of Pondicherry innings. At the fag end of the day, left-arm spinner Ranjot Singh and part-timer Manzir took 3 wickets each, but not before placing Pondicherry in the comfort zone. Ranjot captured 3 wickets by conceding 91 runs in his 34 overs, while Manzir bagged 3 wickets by giving away 28 runs in his 14 overs. Medium pacer Manit claimed 1 wicket by conceding 53 runs in his 20 overs.
With a lead of 115 runs and 3 wickets in hand and two days left in the match, Pondicherry is in sight of a big win.
Follow our WhatsApp channel