Punjab Fight Back to Secure First Innings Advantage
On the second day of the Cooch Behar Trophy Under-19 quarter-final, Punjab staged a remarkable recovery to secure a crucial first-innings lead against Rajasthan. The match, being played at the Gokulbhai Somabhai Patel Stadium in Nadiad, saw Punjab reach 237 for 7 at stumps on Friday, giving them a lead of 27 runs with three wickets still in hand.
This came in reply to Rajasthan's first-innings total of 210 all out. The day belonged to Punjab's opener, Sagar Virk, whose patient and gritty century turned the tide for his team after they found themselves in deep trouble.
Virk and Jaswal's Record Partnership
Punjab's innings was in disarray at 135 for 7, seemingly handing the initiative back to Rajasthan. However, the Rajasthan bowlers failed to press home their advantage. Opener Sagar Virk stood firm, crafting an unbeaten 107 runs from 255 deliveries, which included 15 boundaries.
He found a resilient partner in Rajvir Jaswal (42*), and together they have so far added an unbroken 102 runs for the eighth wicket. This partnership has not only wiped out the deficit but also given Punjab a psychological edge heading into the third day.
Rajasthan's Bowling Efforts
Earlier, Rajasthan's bowlers had done well to keep Punjab under pressure. The pick of the attack was left-arm spinner Jatin Saini, who bowled impressively to return figures of 4 for 47. Pacers Honey Pratap Singh, Harsh Dagdi, and Karn each claimed one wicket, but they will rue letting Punjab off the hook from a precarious position.
In Rajasthan's first innings, their batters got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Sanil top-scored with 57, while Ketan Dewasi remained not out on 33. For Punjab, the bowling honours were shared by Rajvir Jaswal (4-41) and Adhiraj Singh Mangat (4-52).
The match is now intriguingly poised. With Virk and Jaswal still at the crease, Punjab will aim to build a substantial lead on Day 3. Rajasthan, on the other hand, will be desperate to break this partnership early and restrict the lead to a manageable total.
Brief Scores:
- Rajasthan 1st Innings: 210 all out in 102 overs (Sanil 57, Ketan Dewasi 33*; Rajvir Jaswal 4-41, Adhiraj Singh Mangat 4-52).
- Punjab 1st Innings: 237/7 in 80 overs (Sagar Virk 107*, Rajvir Jaiswal 42*; Jatin Saini 4-47).
