NL Corresspondent
Jammu, Feb 7: Middle-order batsman Yawer Hassan showed solidity and sublimity in his maiden century, while talented southpaw Shubham Singh Pundir was unfortunate to run himself out to miss a double ton and promising left-arm orthodox Vishal Kumar continued brilliance to put Jammu and Kashmir in command against formidable Bengal in the ongoing U-25 Men's CK Nayudu Trophy at Hostel Ground JKCA, here today.
Earlier, resuming from an overnight score of 244/5, Jammu and Kashmir rode on a huge partnership of 242 runs between Shubham Singh Pundir and Yawer Hassan to score a healthy total of 390 runs, thus gaining a first innings lead of 147 runs. Shubham scored 189 runs off 288 balls, studded with 16 delectable boundaries, while Yasser Hassan scored his first century (102*) off 279 balls, studded with 10 fours.
For Bengal, Kaushik Maity took 3 wickets, while Prayas Ray Barman and Vikas
bagged 2 wickets each, while Sandipan Das claimed one wicket.
Conceding a first innings lead of 137 runs to J&K, Bengal were 59/1 in their second essay at stumps on the penultimate day of the match today. First innings' main contributor Keswani was unbeaten on 27 runs off 95 balls including 5 boundaries, while Ayush Kumar Singh was at the crease on 18 at stumps today.
Left-arm spinner Vishal Kumar was once again flawless and took the only wicket to fall by conceding just 14 runs in the 13 overs he bowled, making his tally to 35 wickets in the season so far.
Now, with the final day's play left in the match, Bengal are still trailing by 78 runs and have 9 wickets in hand, J&K have a fair chance of scripting an outright victory, keeping in mind the wear and tear on the last day and Vishal Kumar's devastating form with the ball.
