SHILLONG: Nagaland showed some strong fight within while following on as they took their Ranji Trophy plate group match against Meghalaya into a fourth day at the MCA Cricket Ground here on Thursday.
After being bowled out in their first innings for just 106 in response to Meghalaya’s 389, Nagaland began the third day on 31/0 and finished on 332/8, a lead of 49, with Abrar Kazi leading the resistance to the hosts with a fine innings of 129 not out.
Openers Nitesh (38) and Sedezhalie (68) picked up from where they left off Wednesday to put on 67 for the first wicket. But it was the fifth wicket partnership between Kazi and Paras that was truly invaluable for the visitors. The pair put on 140 runs together before Paras was caught by wicketkeeper Punit Bisht off the bowling of Gurinder Singh for 57.
Kazi has peppered his innings with 15 fours and three mighty sixes and Nagaland will hope that he will be able to continue to remain at the crease, though Meghalaya will certainly be attempting to dismiss the two remaining tailenders cheaply tomorrow, the last day of the match.
Among Meghalaya’s bowlers Aditya Singhania has figures of 3/46, while Dipu Sangma (2/47) and Gurinder (2/102) bagged a brace of wickets each and Raj Biswa has picked up one (1/32).
