Railways face tough pace vs Asom in Ranji cricket

Guwahati, Dec 3 (UNI) Former champions Railways were pushed to the wall by Asom as Abu Naschim Ahmed's maiden five wicket haul put the home team in a commanding position in the Ranji plate group match at Maligaon Railway Stadium here today.

After enforcing follow on Asom speedstar Abu and partner Sanjay captured one wicket each and put the Railway men tottering at 12 for two in the second innings. Railway scored 179 in the first innings against Asom's total of 362.

Starting the day from six for no loss in the first innings, Railways could not withstand the pressure spearheaded by medium pacer Abu Naschim and Sanjay Tarafdar.

After tottering at 48/3, J P Yadab and Sanjay Bangar played with caution and confidence and stopped the aggression of host bowlers and put 99 runs in the fourth wicket. Then Katti struck in successive overs first claiming Bangar for 82 (155b, 4x6) and then in the next over J P Yadav who tried to cut a ball from Katti to offer a comfortable catch to wicket keeper Kunal Saikia.

J P Yadav scored 64 (172b, 175m). Then Abu finished the job and captured his first five wicket haul in the first class cricket and Railways were skittled out for 179.

After enforcing the follow-on Abu and Sanjay tormented the Railway men again at the end of the third day's play. Railways scored 12 for two in their second innings.

At close, Bangar was batting on two and Khanolkar yet to open this account.

Scoreboard: Asom: First Innings: 362 all out Railways First Innings: 179 all out S Bangar 82, JP Yadav 64, Abu Naschim Ahmed 5/44, Katti 2/28, Sanjay Tarafdar 2/50) Railways: Second Innings: 12 for 2.

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