Quarter final entering crucial stage, says Parvez Rasool

Vadodara: J&K team skipper Parveez Rasool feels their quarter-final against Punjab has reached a crucial stage and the third day tomorrow will play an important role on the outcome of the match.

Talking to media persons at the end of the second day`s play here, Rasool said: "I`m happy with my batting, I made 103 runs but I`m disappointed that my team`s efforts to take a first innings lead failed and we conceded a marginal 27 runs 1st innings lead to Punjab." "At one stage, we thought of taking a vital lead over them. "However, the way our bowlers dismissed the opening pair of Punjab in the second innings with a total of 15 runs, I am sure they will repeat the performance tomorrow as this pitch has been very helpful to the fast bowlers," Rasool added. Rasool today led from the front with a gutsy 103 off 137 balls as Jammu and Kashmir fought back gallantly to score 277 in reply to Punjab`s first innings score of 304. J&K then reduced Punjab to 15 for two in their second innings to leave their Ranji Trophy quarter-final match evenly poised. Briefing the media, Sandeep Sharma of Punjab said: "Despite losing two quick wickets in the second innings today, we will try to achieve a target of 300 runs in the second knock. The way this pitch is taking turn, it will be difficult for our rivals to reach that target, " he added. Singh, however, praised the rival team members for their spirited performance.