Samad Creates History with Twin Centuries in Ranji Trophy
22-year-old Abdul Samad made history by becoming the first-ever Jammu and Kashmir cricketer to score twin centuries in a Ranji Trophy match. In the first innings against Odisha, Samad displayed remarkable resilience, scoring 127 runs despite limited support from his teammates. His knock was the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s total of 270 runs, and even though they didn’t manage to take a first-innings lead, Samad’s contribution gave the team hope. His effort was crucial as the visitors fought to stay competitive in the contest.
Samad’s heroics were not confined to the first innings alone. In the second innings, with Jammu and Kashmir still chasing a result, the young batter rose to the occasion again. Batting at number four, Samad played an aggressive, unbeaten knock of 108* runs off 108 balls. His batting style was exactly what the team needed as they sought a declaration, and Samad’s positive approach helped set up a target of 269 runs for Odisha. His performance not only lifted the team’s morale but also inspired confidence in their chances of making a successful bowling effort.
Odisha Struggles to Build Allies Despite Poddar’s Century
Despite Samad’s brilliance, Odisha fought back through captain Govinda Poddar, who played a gritty knock of 133* runs in the first innings. Poddar’s resilience was crucial in giving Odisha a slender two-run lead, despite a lack of contributions from the other batters. The fact that Odisha could not capitalize on the chances in the second innings, with the loss of three early wickets, put them at a disadvantage as they found themselves reeling at 14/3. Samad’s aggressive approach in the second innings seemed to have rattled Odisha’s confidence, making the chase increasingly difficult for them.
The downfall of Odisha’s batting line-up began with the openers. Shantanu Mishra and Anurag Sarangi were dismissed cheaply, managing just six and one run, respectively. Following their dismissals, Odisha found themselves in a tough spot, as their middle order, including Kartik Biswal, failed to make a significant contribution. By the time they were reduced to 14/3, Odisha was struggling to rebuild, and the match was now in Jammu and Kashmir’s hands. The early breakthroughs provided Jammu and Kashmir’s bowlers with much-needed confidence as they prepared to bowl out Odisha on the final day.
J&K’s Bowlers Step Up to Finish
Jammu and Kashmir’s bowling attack, led by Abid Mushtaq, played a key role in the team’s efforts to bowl Odisha out and secure the win. Mushtaq made significant strides on Day 4, picking up two wickets in the first session, helping further demoralize the Odisha batting line-up. Sahil Lotra also contributed with a wicket, making inroads into the Odisha batting order. The presence of Yudhvir Singh Charak, who had previously been a net bowler for India during the Bangladesh series, added an extra dimension to Jammu and Kashmir’s attack.
Also Read This: https://cricator.com/ashwell-praises-tristan-stubbs-mindset-for-success/
With the team now feeling more confident and with the match firmly in their grasp, the bowlers continued to pressure the Odisha batsmen. The focus was on picking up quick wickets and not allowing Odisha any opportunity to recover. As the game progressed, the signs were clear—Jammu and Kashmir was poised for a remarkable victory, with the momentum entirely on their side. If the bowlers can continue their dominant spell on the final day, the young team could celebrate a thrilling win to cap off Samad’s historic performances.
