Assam secure 3 points as match vs Tamil Nadu drawn

Already securing the first-innings lead on Day 3 itself, hosts Assam had to be content with three points from their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D game in Guwahati on Saturday as Tamil Nadu produced a good display of batting on the final day to leave out any possibility of a result other than a draw.


Though it did not have any bearing on the outcome of the match, the highlight of the day was TN opener Narayan Jagadeesan notching up his 10th first-class century while Pradosh Ranjan Paul scored a half-century. Both remained unbeaten at the end of the day’s play with TN reaching 217/2 from 60 overs, when both sides mutually decided to shake hands, acknowledging the inevitability of a draw at Barsapara Cricket Stadium .

Earlier, resuming their innings at 8/0, Tamil Nadu openers Narayan Jagadeesan and Suresh Lokeshwar strode out to the middle with a steely resolve. Lokeshwar’s stay was short-lived, as he fell prey to Mukhtar Hussain, departing for merely 3 runs. However, this early setback did not deter the resilient Jagadeesan, who anchored the innings with unwavering focus.

Joining forces with the seasoned Vijay Shankar, Jagadeesan orchestrated a solid partnership, defying the Assam bowlers with his technique and temperament. Shankar’s breezy 23 off 36 balls provided valuable support before he fell to the Player of the Match, Swarupam Purkayastha, leaving Tamil Nadu at 73/2.

Undeterred, Jagadeesan continued his innings, reaching his ton with a composed and elegant knock. The Chennai Super Kings player remained unbeaten on 118, crafted from 188 deliveries, adorned with nine boundaries and a six.

Complementing Jagadeesan’s brilliance was the resolute Paul, who remained unbeaten on 68 off 112 balls, laced with five boundaries. The duo’s unbroken 144-run partnership for the fourth wicket showcased their steely resolve. However, the day belonged to Jagadeesan.

Assam remained rooted in the last spot of Group D with four points while TN moved up a spot to third with 12 points after fourth round of games. Assam next face Chattisgarh in Raipur as TN travel to Ahmedabad to take on Railways.

Brief scores (In Guwahati): Tamil Nadu 338 & (o/n 8/0) 217/2 in 60 overs (N Jagadeesan 118*, Pradosh Ranjan Paul 68*; Mukhtar Hussain 1/39). Assam 445. Match Drawn.

Points: Assam 3, TN 1.