Punjab tail frustrates Kerala, post 436 on Day 2 of Ranji clash

Mullanpur: Harnoor Singh dominated the Kerala bowling attack on Day 1, and Punjab’s tailenders completed the job on Day 2 as the hosts posted a formidable 436 in their first innings in the Ranji Trophy match at PCA New Cricket Stadium here on Sunday. Resuming his knock from 126, Harnoor added 44 more runs to finish with an impressive 170 before being bowled by M D Nidheesh.

In reply to Punjab’s towering total, Kerala suffered an early setback with nightwatchman N P Basil departing for four. The visitors closed the day at 15/1. Vathsal Govind is batting at 7 while Ankit Sharma accompanies him with two runs. 

Having resumed their overnight score of 240/6, Punjab dashed Kerala’s hopes of wrapping up the innings quickly as Harnoor continued from where he left off, building crucial partnerships with the tail end. Harnoor and Krish Bhagat added 66 runs for the seventh wicket before Ankit Sharma bowled Bhagat for 28. Harnoor also departed soon after.

The momentum shifted further in Punjab’s favour when Prerit Datta and Mayank Markande stitched together a decisive 111-run stand for the ninth wicket. Kerala skipper Mohammad Azharuddeen rotated his bowlers in search of a breakthrough, but the pair held firm.

The partnership was finally broken at 423 when Ahmed Imran dismissed Datta for 72. Ankit Sharma then removed Ayush Goyal for 4, bringing Punjab’s first innings to a close at 436, with Markande remaining unbeaten on 48.

Ankit was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets, while Basil and Baba Aparajith picked up two each. 

Kerala played out a draw against Maharashtra in the season opener in Thiruvananthapuram, earning just a point after conceding the lead.