Heavy rain has hindered Kerala’s pursuit of an outright victory and boosted Uttar Pradesh’s chances of salvaging a draw in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C encounter at the KCA-St. Xavier’s College ground.
After conceding a massive 233-run first innings lead, Uttar Pradesh was 66 for two when a drizzle forced the players off the field half an hour into the post-lunch session. The drizzle intensified into a heavy downpour with thunder and lightning, leading the umpires to call off play at 2.30 p.m.
UP lost its captain, Aryan Juyal, and Priyam Garg in the second innings, and was in a spot of bother before the skies opened up.
Earlier, Mohammed Azharuddeen attacked the Uttar Pradesh bowling, striking four crisp boundaries as Kerala sought quick runs. Salman Nizar (93, 202b, 9×4, 3×6) struggled with his timing and was also affected by a hamstring injury, forcing him to leave the field for treatment. Basil Thampi’s stay was brief, lasting only two deliveries before Saurabh Kumar trapped him in front.
Aaqib Khan’s delivery struck K.M. Asif on the helmet, forcing him to retire hurt. Salman returned to continue his innings. He nudged Saurabh Kumar to fine leg and ran three, which aggravated his injury.
Azharuddeen, who had been batting fluently up to that point, lost his composure and top-edged a hook off Aaqib, which was well caught by Aryan behind the stumps.
Salman smashed Saurabh for a maximum over long leg but was dismissed while attempting to play another big shot off Aaqib Khan in the following over.
