Smaran Ravichandran scored an unbeaten century to guide Rest of India into a commanding position against Jammu and Kashmir at the end of day three of the Irani Cup match in Srinagar.
At stumps, Rest of India was 306 for 8, with Smaran on 126 not out and Mukesh Choudhary unbeaten on 9, leading by 265 runs.
Rest of India began the day on 24 for 1 in their second innings, with Sanat Sangwan 10 not out and Sudip Kumar Gharami 10 not out at the crease. Having been put into bat by Jammu and Kashmir, Rest of India was dismissed for 237 in their first innings, while Jammu and Kashmir posted 278, leading by 17 runs at the start of day two.
Nasir Muzaffar struck early, dismissing Sudip for 33 off 58 balls. Following this, Sanat Sangwan, who scored 55 runs off 160 balls including three fours and a six, and Saransh Jain (25) put on a 70-run partnership for the third wicket.
After three quick wickets by Umar Nazir Mir, a 52-run stand developed between Smaran and Manav Suthar, who made 16. Smaran then remained steady amid falling wickets, registering an audacious century in 113 balls to end the day unbeaten, with Mukesh also unbeaten, securing a strong lead for Rest of India.
In the first innings, Rest of India was bowled out for 237, despite half-centuries from Smaran (68 runs off 83 balls, with eight fours and a six), Shikhar Mohan (60 off 118 balls, with nine fours), and a solid 45 from Sarfaraz Khan (97 balls, five fours). Sunil Kumar (3 for 36) and Lone Nasir (3 for 59) were the most successful bowlers for Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir’s first innings total of 278 was bolstered by half-centuries from captain Paras Dogra (75 off 143 balls, with six fours and a six), Abdul Samad (57 off 88 balls, with five fours and a six), and Lone Nasir (64 off 58 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes). Mukesh was outstanding with the ball for Rest of India, taking five wickets for 78 runs.