Ranji Trophy: J&K batsmen struggle to save match against Maharashtra

Pune: Obaid Haroon (94) missed out on a hundred while Bandeep Singh (79) scored a half century as Jammu and Kashmir put on a gritty batting display to reach 333 for six in their second innings against Maharashtra in their Ranji Trophy group C match here on sunday.

After a miserable batting show in the first innings, the visitors showed some resolve today as they ended the third day 17 runs ahead of Maharashtra with four wickets remaining. Resuming on 131 for one, Haroon and Bandeep added 72 more runs to their overnight stand of 85 before former was removed by leg-spinner Bharatkumar Solanki. Haroon`s 172-ball knock included 15 fours. Bandeep, who took 184 balls for his 79, too was removed by Solanki. His effort included seven fours and a six. Samiullah Beig (10) and Ramdyal Punia (27) remained unbeaten as J&K were fighting for a draw at the end of day`s play. For Maharashtra, Solanki and pacer Samad Fallah took two wickets each while Shrikant Mundhe bagged one. Brief scores: J&K - 85 and 333/6 (Obaid Haroon 94, Bandeep Singh 79; Bharatkumar Solanki 2/27) Maharashtra - 401/9 decl.