Ian Dev Singh`s ton helps J&K tighten noose on Assam

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir tightened the noose on Assam on the third day of their Ranji Trophy Group `C` tie by taking a 164-run first innings lead with the help of a stroke-filled 170 by Ian Dev Singh at the Gandhi Memorial Science College on Monday.

Riding on Singh`s century, Jammu, who were struggling at 164 for five, made 427 having bowled out the visitors for 263 in the first innings. At stumps, Assam were 156 for 6 in their second innings, trailing by eight runs, with Gokul Sharma (32 batting) and skipper Abu Nechim Ahmed (32 batting) at the crease. Earlier, Singh was in his elements and looked solid, hitting 14 fours and three sixes en route his superb innings. He was supported well by Samiullah Beigh who went on to make 164-ball 65, forging a crucial 132-run partnership for the sixth wicket with him. Assam bowlers did not look lethal as Singh anchored the innings to perfection and took his team past 400. Medium pacer Arup Das was the most successful bowler for the visitors, ended up taking five for 79. In their second innings, Assam got off to a poor start losing the wicket of opener Abhijit Roy for nought. J&K`s pace duo of Ram Dayal and Beigh rocked the visitors` top and middle-order batting line-up to leave them reeling at 75 for five. Gokul held one end, and together in the company of Ahmed, steered the team to 156 for 6. Brief Scores: Assam: 263 & 156 for 6 in 43 overs (Gokul Sharma 32 batting; Ram Dayal 2/35) Jammu and Kashnmir: 427 all out in 129 overs (Ian Dev Singh 170, Samiullah Beigh 65; Arup Das 5/79).