Cricket veteran Paras Dogra continues to defy age, showcasing an insatiable appetite for runs in the Ranji Trophy for over two decades. After moving to Jammu & Kashmir for the 2024/25 season, following impactful stints with Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry, the middle-order batter, set to celebrate his 41st birthday in November, proved his mettle once again.
On Thursday, the second day of a crucial Elite Group-D Ranji match against formidable Mumbai, Dogra orchestrated a magnificent fightback. His unbeaten knock of 112 runs from 169 balls propelled Jammu & Kashmir to a respectable 273 for seven at stumps. This impressive century came at a critical juncture, with J&K reeling at 32 for three early in their first innings, chasing Mumbai’s substantial total of 386. Dogra, originally from Himachal Pradesh, utilized his vast experience to steady the innings and lead from the front.
This remarkable day also saw the J&K skipper achieve two significant career milestones. He surpassed the formidable 10,000-run mark in First-Class cricket and registered his 32nd Ranji Trophy century, moving past his own coach, Ajay Sharma. With this achievement, Dogra now stands second only to former India opener Wasim Jaffer, who holds the record with 40 centuries in India’s premier First-Class competition.
Dogra found a valuable ally in Abdul Samad, and together they forged a crucial 94-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Samad played his part, reaching 44 runs, but unfortunately fell to off-spinner Tanush Kotian, holing out to deep mid-wicket after doing the groundwork.
Later in the innings, with J&K struggling at 166 for six, Dogra teamed up with Abid Mushtaq. Their brisk 68-run stand further bolstered the team’s total. While Dogra’s elegant cover drives were a treat to watch, Mushtaq’s aggressive intent was evident in his quickfire 40, which included two powerful sixes.
Earlier in the day, Mumbai could only manage to add 50 runs to their overnight score of 336 for five. Seamer Yudhvir Singh, who had already taken two wickets on Wednesday, completed an impressive five-wicket haul by dismissing Shams Mulani leg-before for 91.
Detailed Scores:
Mumbai – 1st innings: Musheer Khan c Wadhawan b Nabi 0, Ayush Mhatre c Wadhawan b Yudhvir 28, Ajinkya Rahane c Wadhawan b Yudhvir 27, Siddhesh Lad st Wadhawan b Mushtaq 116, Sarfaraz Khan (run out) 42, Shams Mulani lbw b Yudhvir 91, Akash Anand c Wadhawan b Nazir 18, Tanush Kotian c Iqbal b Yudhvir 28, Shardul Thakur lbw b Yudhvir 0, Tushar Deshpande c Yudhvir b Nabi 2, Irfan Umair (not out) 0; Extras (nb-4, lb-30): 34; Total (in 101.4 overs): 386.
Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-61, 3-74, 4-141, 5-300, 6-349, 7-371, 8-383, 9-384.
J&K bowling: Nabi 25.4-9-54-2, Nazir 25-6-71-1, Yudhvir 21-5-96-5, Mushtaq 17-3-73-1, Lotra 10-1-46-0, Samad 3-1-16-0.
Jammu & Kashmir – 1st innings: Qamran Iqbal c Mhatre b Umair 23, Shubham Khajuria c Mhatre b Thakur 0, Musaif Ajaz c Lad b Deshpande 1, Paras Dogra (batting) 112, Abdul Samad c Musheer b Kotian 44, Kanhaiya Wadhawan st Anand b Mulani 15, Sahil Lotra b Deshpande 4, Abid Mushtaq c Mulani b Kotian 40, Aaqib Nabi (batting) 15; Extras (nb-1, w-6, b-4, lb-8): 19; Total (for seven wickets. in 63 overs): 273.
Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-2, 3-32, 4-126, 5-161, 6-166, 7-234.
Mumbai bowling: Thakur 11-0-69-1, Deshpande 15-4-34-2, Umair 10-2-40-1, Kotian 14-0-53-2, Mulani 13-0-65-1.