Jammu and Kashmir batsman Ian Dev Singh Chauhan struck an unbeaten 103 to pull Jammu and Kashmir out of a tight spot and help the side share a point each with Uttar Pradesh after the weather-hit Group A Ranji Trophy cricket match ended in a draw at Green Park, here today.
Reeling at 76 for eight in response to UP's 299 for five declared in the first innings, Chauhan, striking his ninth first-class century, and No.10 batsman Samiullah Beigh (45 not out) stitched a 123-run ninth-wicket partnership to take the Parvez Rasool-led side to safety at the end of the fourth and final day's play.
With only 78 overs possible on the first two days of play, the Piyush Chawla-led side declared its first innings early on the final day after the third day's play was lost due to dense fog and inclement weather in the industrial city.
Taking field the UP bowlers, led by veteran medium pacer Rudra Pratap Singh (4-39), restricted J&K to 199 for eight, a trail of 100 runs.
J&K, who had stunned giants Mumbai in their opening Ranji encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, showed glimpses of their prowess with a late fightback.
For the hosts, if opener Tanmay Srivastav made it count with a brilliant 99 then Arish Alam (41 not out) and wicketkeeper-batsman Eklavya Dwivedi (52 not out) struck a 77-run sixth-wicket unbeaten partnership to help the team consolidate.
On the bowling front, after RP's wonderfull performance, leg-spinner Chawla also bagged two wickets to give J&K a scare.
Brief Scores:
Uttar Pradesh 299/5 in 82 overs (Tanmay Srivastav 99, Arish Alam 41 not out, Eklavya Dwivedi 52 not out; Waseem Raza 2-43)
Jammu and Kashmir 199/8 in 65 overs (Ian Dev Singh Chauhan 103 not out, Samiullah Beigh 45 not out; RP Singh 4-37).
Points: Uttar Pradesh 1 Jammu and Kashmir 1.
