Ranji Trophy: J&K reach 247/7 vs Kerala on a controversy-hit 1st day

Parvez Rasool (in-pic) scored a half-century against Kerala

Srinagar: Vice-captain Parveez Rasool and senior batsman Bandeep Singh scored half-centuries as Jammu and Kashmir reached 247 for seven against Kerala on a controversy-hit opening day of their Ranji Trophy group league match.

At the start of the day, there was lot of confusion as two warring factions of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) named two separate squad with former Delhi player Mithun Manhas being named captain in one while the other team named Rasool as the captain.

In the end, the Manhas-led team took the field with Rasool as his deputy.

The home team were in trouble as they were reduced to 91 for four with Shubham Khajuria (4), Adil Reshi (26), Ian Dev Singh (38) and skipper Manhas (20).

However Rasool and Bandeep added 74 runs for the fifth wicket. Rasool's 54 off 75 balls had seven fours and a six while right-hander Bandeep remained not out on 50 off 157 balls with seven fours and a six. He also added a crucial 45 runs for the unbroken eighth wicket stand with Waseem Raza (26 batting).

For Kerala, medium pacers MD Nidheesh, Ahmed Farzaan and Raiphi Gomez got two wickets apiece.

Brief Scores: J&K 247/7 in 84 overs (Parveez Rasool 54, Bandeep Singh 50, MD Nidheesh 2/54, Ahmed Farzeen 2/48, Raiphi Gomez 2/20).