Ranji Trophy: Kerala on top despite Harpreet Singh's ton

Sanju & Saxena
Sanju Samson congratulates Jalaj Saxena on picking up a wicket. Photo: Special Arrangement

Thiruvananthapuram: Harpreet Singh Bhatia led from the front as Chhattisgarh put up a spirited fightback on the third day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match against Kerala at the St Xavier's College Ground, Thumba, on Thursday.

Captain Harpreet made a fine 152 as the visitors were bowled out for 287 in their second innings with Jalaj Saxena claiming 6/75. Kerala need 126 to win on the final day.

Resuming on 10/2, Harpreet and Amandeep Khare took the total to 55. Khare was dismissed by off-spinner Saxena for 30.

Harpreet continued the good work along with Shashank Singh (16) as the two added 64 for the fourth wicket. 

Harpreet Singh Bhatia
Harpreet Singh Bhatia in action. Photo: Special Arrangement

The left-hander put on 70 for the fifth wicket partnering Ajay Mandal (22) as they erased the huge first innings deficit of 162.

Harpreet, who notched up his 15th first-class hundred, eventually fell to Saxena in the final session. The 31-year-old struck 12 fours and three sixes in his 228-ball knock.

Saxena picked 11 wickets in the match. It was the 36-year-old's 25th five-for and sixth 10-wicket haul at the first-class level.

Brief scores: Chhattisgarh 149 & 287 in 89.4 overs (Harpreet Singh Bhatia 152; Jalaj Saxena 6/75, Vaisakh Chandran 2/66) vs Kerala 311. 

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