It took Paras Dogra 14 innings and eight matches to score his first First Class century of the season. But it came at a time when it mattered the most for Jammu and Kashmir.
With J&K chasing its dreams of reaching its maiden Ranji Trophy semifinal, Dogra led from the front with a classy 132 (232b, 13×4, 2×6), forged two crucial partnerships – 146 with Kanhaiya Wadhawan, followed by a 50-run stand for the fifth wicket with Sahil Lotra – to guide the team to 399 for 9 and earn a massive 398-run lead.
However, with the wicket easing out and the ball coming nicely onto the bat, Kerala ended the fourth day’s play at a comfortable 100 for 2, still trailing by 299 runs.
With three sessions remaining on the final day, the Kerala batters would be hoping for no further slip-ups, whereas for J&K’s pace attack, it will be a challenge to take things in its stride and put the opponent under pressure.
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Although the fate of the match still hangs in balance, it turned out to be a memorable Tuesday for Dogra, who finally got going after a string of low scores.
Playing by the merit of the ball, Dogra seemed to be in no hurry as he batted along with Wadhawan (64, 116b, 5×4), who brought up yet another fifty, to ensure that J&K extended its lead. There were a few early appeals by N.P. Basil and MD Nidheesh, but the umpires turned them all down. Making the most of it, Dogra hit a few fluent boundaries to stamp his class.
Wicketkeeper-batter Wadhawan looked on course for his maiden century, however, his innings was cut short after he offered a regulation catch to Baby at slip off Basil. However, Dogra stood firm and rebuilt along with Lotra (59, 77b, 6×4, 1×6), en route to his 32nd ton in red-ball cricket.
Though Dogra tried accelerating soon after reaching his century, he was cleaned by Aditya Sarvate before Nidheesh claimed a couple of quick wickets to claim another four-four.
It may have been an incredible fightback by J&K batters, but now it’s over to its bowlers to do the trick on the final day.