The Jharkhand vs Nagaland match may end up as the most bizarre scorecards in the history of Ranji Trophy knockout clashes. Despite having a mammoth 591-run lead, Jharkhand skipper Saurabh Tiwary decided not to enforce follow on in the pre quarter-final clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Despite Nagaland failing to score big, wicketkeeper-batter Chetan Bist stood out with a fighting unbeaten 126-run knock to take his team's score to a respectable 289.
Jharkhand batters piled on more runs as Utkarsh Singh reached his half-century in the final session of Day 4. Nazim Siddiqui looked to score freely but got out for a 48-ball 42. Kumar Suraj walked out with the same intention but got out for a 42-ball 31. Skipper Tiwary promoted Anukul Roy up the order as the young all-rounder scored a half-century in the previous game. Jharkhand ended the day with scoreboard reading 132/2. Jharkhand have a lead of 723 runs and it will be interesting to see when Tiwary decides to declare the innings as they are already through to the quarter-final.
Earlier in the day, Nagaland started the day at 130/4 with Bist just four runs away from his half-century. Bist and Nechim shared a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket. Nechim contributed 32 runs to the score which included five fours and one six.
Imliwati Lemtur did not stay long at the crease as he got out off the fifth ball he faced. Bist batted with the tail and got to his century from 231 deliveries. Tailenders Chopise Hopongkyu, Raja Ranjit Swarnkar and Khrievitso Kense contributed with scores of 12, 17 and 13 respectively. Hokaito Zhimomi, who got retired hurt on Day 4, came to bat as well but could not do much damage.
Towards the end of the innings, he accelerated and dealt in boundaries. He remained unbeaten for 126 off 253 deliveries. His fighting knock was studded with 14 fours and one six. After toiling hard in the Kolkata sun for more than two days, Bist’s seventh First-Class century helped Nagaland bat for a total of 103.3 overs.
