Ranji Trophy: Prerit and Markande’s Heroic Stand Propels Punjab to a Formidable 436
In a thrilling display of resilience, Punjab’s lower-order batsmen, Prerit Dutta and Mayank Markande, completely frustrated Kerala on the second day of their Elite Group-B Ranji Trophy encounter at the PCA New Cricket Stadium. Following the disciplined approach set by opener Harnoor Singh Pannu, these tailenders built a crucial ninth-wicket partnership that proved to be the cornerstone of Punjab’s imposing first-innings total.
Prerit Dutta, with a gritty 72 runs from 145 balls (including four fours and a six), and the unbeaten Mayank Markande, who scored a vital 48 off 141 deliveries (with two fours and a six), stitched together an incredible 111-run stand. This marathon partnership spanned 256 balls, wearing down the Kerala bowling attack and significantly bolstering Punjab’s score to 436.
Though Punjab managed to add only 186 runs throughout the day, their primary objective of exhausting the opposition was successfully achieved. Kerala’s fatigue was evident in their cautious response to a final-hour collapse, even resorting to two nightwatchmen within just seven overs of their innings.
Kerala’s opening efforts quickly stumbled as Basil N.P. edged his fourth ball off Krish Bhagat to second slip. While Ankit Sharma, coming in at number three, survived 16 deliveries until stumps, regular opener Vathsal Govind faced a barrage of chirping from the Punjab fielders. Despite the pressure, Kerala managed to reach 15 for one without further losses by the close of play.
The visiting side had themselves to blame for not capitalizing on earlier opportunities to dismiss Punjab’s lower order. Their spin bowlers, though consistent in their line, often conceded easy singles to long-on and long-off, allowing the tailenders to rotate the strike comfortably. Prerit Dutta even survived a lucky edge off Ankit Sharma that split the gully and slip fielders.
Prerit’s defiant innings eventually came to an end when off-spinner Ahammed Imran castled him. Markande, after hitting a six over long-on, was left just shy of a half-century when Ankit Sharma picked up Ayush Goyal, bringing Punjab’s innings to a close.
Earlier, the star of the first innings, Harnoor Singh Pannu (170 from 343 balls, featuring 13 fours), appeared set for a magnificent double century. However, his strong defense was finally undone by a length delivery from M.D. Nidheesh, which nipped in sharply and kept low. Pannu had shown exceptional footwork and control, consistently converting full deliveries into drives and gently tapping others for singles, much like his performance on day one. Krish Bhagat provided solid support, and together they added 66 runs for the seventh wicket before Ankit Sharma outwitted Bhagat with a delivery that squared him up and removed his off stump. Prerit and Pannu then continued with a cautious approach until Nidheesh’s unplayable delivery ended Pannu’s marathon vigil.
The scores:
Punjab — 1st innings: Harnoor Singh b Nidheesh 170, Prabhsimran Singh b Aparajith 23, Uday Saharan b Ankit 37, Anmolpreet Singh c Azharuddeen b Basil 1, Naman Dhir c Azharuddeen b Basil 1, Ramandeep Singh c Kunnummal b Ankit 6, Salil Arora lbw b Aparajith 36, Krish Bhagat b Ankit 28, Prerit Dutta b Imran 72, Mayank Markande (not out) 48, Ayush Goyal b Ankit 4; Extras (b-5, lb-5): 10; Total (in 163.4 overs): 436.
Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-138, 3-141, 4-147, 5-162, 6-236, 7-302, 8-312, 9-423.
Kerala bowling: Nidheesh 29-4-83-1, Basil 31-6-69-2, Ankit 45.4-9-103-4, Akshay 14-1-47-0, Aparajith 32-3-88-2, Imran 12-1-36-1.
Kerala — 1st innings: Vathsal Govind (batting) 7, Basil N.P. c Naman b Krish 4, Ankit Sharma (batting) 2; Extras (lb-2): 2; Total (for one wkt. in seven overs): 15.
Fall of wicket: 1-4.
Punjab bowling: Ayush 4-1-9-0, Krish 2-1-4-1, Prerit 1-1-0-0.