Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Nov 4: Tamil Nadu bowlers produced a commanding performance to claim 14 wickets on the third day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match against Chandigarh at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday, leaving the hosts struggling at 189 for seven in their second innings.
After bowling Chandigarh out for just 94 in their first innings, Tamil Nadu enforced the follow-on and tightened their grip on the contest. At stumps, Chandigarh were still trailing by 288 runs with only three wickets remaining, putting Tamil Nadu firmly on course for an innings victory.
Tamil Nadu's bowling attack was led by Sonu Yadav, who returned impressive figures of four for 18 in the first innings. He made the most of the early morning conditions, bowling with pace and accuracy to dismiss three batters through clean bowled deliveries. Saravana Kumar and R Sai Kishore provided valuable support with two wickets each as Chandigarh were dismissed in 37.3 overs.
Sonu said the team had not expected 14 wickets to fall during the day but credited the bowlers for making better use of the conditions. He said they focused on bowling straight and maintaining tight lines, forcing the Chandigarh batters into mistakes.
The pacer added that his spell was similar to his performance against Railways in the previous match at Chepauk. He said the bounce and carry on the pitch, along with support from Saravana Kumar and Sai Kishore, helped him maintain pressure on the batters.
Chandigarh showed greater resistance in their second innings, with Arjun Yadav scoring 60 and captain Manan Vohra making 59. The pair helped delay Tamil Nadu's push for victory and took the match into the fourth day.
Tamil Nadu's Ajith Ram was the standout performer with the ball in the second innings, claiming four for 32. The left-arm spinner used flight and variation effectively to break partnerships and dismiss well-set batters.
Explaining one of his dismissals, Ajith said he deceived the batter with flight by drawing him forward and then bowled wider when Arjun Yadav advanced down the pitch before the ball was released. He added that maintaining consistent lines and making the new batters play under pressure helped him pick up wickets.
Ajith, who had earlier scored an unbeaten century, said the team's success came from a collective effort, with every bowler contributing after the follow-on was enforced.
Brief scores: Tamil Nadu 571/7 declared in 154 overs; Chandigarh 94 in 37.3 overs (Sonu Yadav 4/18, Saravana Kumar 2/21, R Sai Kishore 2/14) and 189/7 in 57 overs (Nehal 26, Arjun Yadav 60, Manan Vohra 59; R Sai Kishore 2/41, Ajith Ram 4/32).