Kaushik Gandhi's 164-run knock paved the way for Tamil Nadu to take a crucial first-innings lead of 70 runs in their Group A Ranji Trophy cricket match against Punjab here on Wednesday.
Resuming on 218/4, Tamil Nadu were helped by Gandhi's innings and his 85-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Dinesh Karthik (54) and another 79 for the fifth wicket with Vijay Shankar (33). Thanks to their efforts, Tamil Nadu managed 354 before being all out, replying to Punjab's first-innings total of 284. Gandhi, who was batting on 75 overnight, struck 21 boundaries and faced 350 balls.
Manpreet Gony (4/81) Siddarth Kaul (3/86) were the most successful bowlers for Punjab. In their second essay, Punjab were 121/2 when the stumps were drawn on the third and penultimate day.
Delhi in trouble
Wayanad: Delhi will be hoping that the seasoned Shikhar Dhawan can take them past finishing line as they are in a spot of bother at 51 for 3 chasing a tricky target of 153 in a Ranji Trophy group B encounter on Wednesday.
On the final day, Delhi will require 102 runs with seven wickets in hand as Dhawan batting on 35 off 46 balls with six fours will have to anchor his team to their second outright thereby keeping them in contention for a knock-out berth.
But Delhi will also feel a bit uncomfortable as their premier match-winner Rishabh Pant (0) was unfortunately run-out without having faced a ball due to lack of communication with senior partner Dhawan. This was the first time that Dhawan and Pant were batting together in a first-class game. India discard Gautam Gambhir's wretched form continued as he was dismissed by Pankaj Singh caught by Amitkumar Gautam for 2.
Agarwal hit on head
Valsad: Hyderabad opener Tanmay Agarwal was taken to hospital after being hit on the head while fielding in his team's Ranji Trophy Group C match against Chhattisgarh.
Agarwal was fielding at forward short leg when Manoj Singh's pull off spinner Mehdi Hasan found the fielder's helmet. According to information received, he remained conscious but was stretchered off the field.
The 24-year-old was later taken to the hospital where he was advised a scan after a preliminary check up.