All-round Rasool keeps J&K in hunt

Jammu and Kashmir skipper Parveez Rasool continued his brilliant all-round performance with a five-wicket haul as their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match seemed to be headed for an exciting finish with Punjab leaving them with a target of 324 for a historic victory here.

At stumps, J&K were 77 for two, needing another 247 runs with eight wickets in hand to make it to their maiden semifinal appearance. Hardeep Singh (20) and Ian Dev Singh (17) were at the crease at close on an eventful third day’s play.

Although two days are still left in the match, an outcome is expected on Saturday with Jammu and Kashmir batsmen showing a lot of positive intent in the 20 overs they batted on Friday.

After scoring a sparkling century to keep the first innings lead down to 24, Rasool grabbed five for 58 in 14.2 overs, polishing off Punjab’s middle and lower-order to bowl them out for 296. This was Rasool’s sixth five-wicket haul in 29th first-class match.

Rasool got into the act with his classical off-breaks as he first dismissed Yuvraj, who after hitting the offie for a six tried to repeat the the shot only to be caught by Samiullah Beigh at long on. Yuvraj hit six fours and a six in his 58-ball knock.