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In Jammu & Kashmir’s last Ranji Trophy 2023-24 group stage game, they were struggling against Madhya Pradesh having suffered a batting collapse. Against the likes of Kulwant Khejroliya and Saransh Jain, Jammu & Kashmir were reduced to 61/6 in the 29th over. A lot depended on young Abdul Samad and he delivered in T20 style. The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter smashed a 71-ball century to rescue his side and helped them post 242 on the board and take a 42-run lead at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
What happened on Day 1
On Day 1, Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 200. Wicketkeeper-batter Himanshu Mantri and Venkatesh Iyer scored half-centuries amidst batting collapse. In the last session, Khejroliya and Jain got one wicket each while skipper Shubham Khajuria was run out.
Starting the day at 42/3, they lost Musaif Ajaz (16) early to Kumar Kartikeya. Khejroliya and Jain got into the action too and dismissed Auqib Nabi (18) and Shubman Pundir (3) respectively.
Samad's super show
From 61/6, Samad and Sahil Lotra build a partnership to help Jammu and Kashmir get out of danger. Samad approached the innings only one way he knew. He raced to his half-century in the first session. However, just before the lunch break, Lotra lost his wicket. He scored 38 runs from 81 balls before getting bowled by Avesh Khan. Samad and Lotra shared a crucial 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Abid Mushtaq joined Samad in the middle and took an attacking approach. Early into the second session, Samad got to his century from 71 balls. Khejroliya ended the 22-year-old's stay at the crease. He hit six fours and as many sixes in his 103-run knock from 74 balls. Mushtaq scored 35 runs from 36 balls including four fours and two sixes. Khejroliya picked up four wickets as Jammu and Kashmir got bowled out for 242 in 60.4 overs.
This was Samad’s first century of the season. He had not scored a single half-century in the last three matches.
Later in the day, opener Yash Dubey's unbeaten half-century helped Madhya Pradesh post 92/1 before the day's play. The hosts have a 50-run lead in the bag.
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