The final day of the Ranji Trophy Group-D clash between Hyderabad and Pondicherry at CAP Ground 2 saw more clouds than sunshine. While the morning session was lost to a persistent drizzle and soggy conditions, Hyderabad was blessed with just enough luck to walk away with three precious points.
A wider smile would have surely graced the Hyderabad camp if not for the relentless rain that had already claimed three sessions over the previous days. This unfavorable weather ultimately allowed Pondicherry to clinch a draw, despite conceding a massive 309-run first-innings lead, thereby robbing Hyderabad of a potential outright victory.
Credit must be given to the host team, who displayed impressive resilience with the bat, especially after losing seven wickets in just 25 overs on Monday. On the fourth and final day, Aman Khan and the tall debutant Karan Kannan fought valiantly, holding their ground for 11.5 overs once play recommenced after lunch.
Aman proved to be the more aggressive partner in their crucial 35-run ninth-wicket stand. Utilizing his long reach, he skillfully got to the pitch of the ball, expertly driving the spinners through the cover region.
However, Tanay Thyagarajan eventually broke through Pondicherry’s resistance in their second innings, after Hyderabad enforced the follow-on. The left-arm spinner brought an end to opener Ganga Sridhar Raju’s lively innings, which featured five boundaries, as the compact southpaw opted for an attacking approach rather than a defensive one. Tanay sent him packing, thanks to wicket-keeper Rahul Radesh’s quick wit, who dived in front to complete the catch after the ball popped out of the short-leg fielder’s grasp.
A spectacular dive! Hyderabad wicket-keeper Rahul makes a crucial catch to dismiss Ganga, showcasing incredible athleticism.
A Glimmer of Hope
The tide seemed to turn when Tanay dismissed Aman for the second time in the day, followed swiftly by G. Anikethreddy trapping Jayant Yadav lbw. These quick wickets ignited a spark of hope for Hyderabad, prompting Captain Rahul Singh to deploy four close-in fielders, increasing the pressure on the remaining batsmen.
With two rapid wickets falling after the tea break, Hyderabad’s aspirations for an outright win soared. However, they were battling against the clock and the rapidly fading light, which ultimately brought an end to play ten minutes before 5 p.m.
The scores: Hyderabad — 1st innings: 435.
Pondicherry — 1st innings: Ganga Sridhar Raju c Rahul b Punnaiah 11, Paras Ratnaparkhe c Himateja b Punnaiah 5, Anand Singh Bais lbw b Anikethreddy 41, Mohit Kale lbw b Punnaiah 0, Akash Kargave b Milind 5, Siddhaant Addhatrao run out 16, Aman Khan b Tanay 33, Jayant Yadav c Tanmay b Tanay 0, Puneet Datey b Tanay 0, Karan Kannan (not out) 9; Sagar Udeshi c Anikethreddy b Tanay 0; Extras (b-3, lb-2, w-1): 6; Total (in 45.5 overs): 126.
Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-30, 3-30, 4-35, 5-80, 6-84, 7-85, 8-87, 9-122.
Hyderabad bowling: Anikethreddy 13-3-32-1, Milind 10-3-14-1, Punnaiah 8-2-20-3, Tanay 13.5-3-48-4, Rohit 1-0-7-0.
Pondicherry — 2nd innings: Ganga Sridhar Raju c Radesh b Tanay 27, Paras Ratnaparkhe lbw b Anikethreddy 10, Aman Khan b Tanay 1, Jayant Yadav lbw b Anikethreddy 14, Akash Kargave (not out) 21, Sidhaant Addhatrao c Tanmay b Varun 16, Mohit Kale (not out) 1; Extras (b-5, lb-1, nb-1): 7; Total (for five wkts. in 42 overs): 97.
Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-39, 3-58, 4-62, 5-91.
Hyderabad bowling: Tanay 18-7-35-2, Punnaiah 2-1-5-0, Milind 3-1-12-0, Anikethreddy 11-5-25-2, Rohit 5-2-6-0, Varun 3-0-8-1.