Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Salman Nizar’s gritty century rescues Kerala from claws of Bihar

Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Salman Nizar’s gritty century rescues Kerala from claws of Bihar

Salman Nizar’s maiden First-Class century (111 not out) lifted Kerala from the doldrums to a position of comfort on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match against Bihar at the Sports Hub here on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, Kerala frittered away the advantage with its batters playing a series of rash strokes and slumped to 202 for eight before Salman did the rescue act with the help of the tail-enders as the host recovered to reach 302 for nine at stumps.

M.D.Nidheesh (30) made another significant contribution with the bat and added 79 runs for the ninth wicket with Salman. The left-hander farmed the strike and chose the right moments to hit the big shots.

Nideesh defended soundly in the early part of the stand but switched to attacking mode as he grew in confidence and the ninth-wicket stand frustrated the visitor. However, Nidheesh holed out while trying a big hit but the last man Vaisakh Chandran stayed firm and allowed Salman to reach his milestone.

Earlier in the morning, the Bihar’s medium pacers were restrictive with their consistent lines outside the off-stump and their persistence was rewarded when it drew false strokes from the batters.

Opener Rohan Kunnummal (3) perished playing a loose stroke while debutant Anand Kirshnan (11) edged Gulham Rabbani to Mahrour at slips.

Left-arm pacer Abhishek cleaned up Sachin Baby with an incoming delivery. Akshay Chandran (38) couldn’t convert his good start as he slashed at a wide delivery from Yashpal Yadav and was brilliantly caught at point by Ayush Loharuka.

Salman joined Shoun Roger and the duo added 89 runs for the fifth wicket. While Salman started with a couple of pleasing straight drives and was in fine nick, Shoun wasn’t at his fluent best and nudged and trudged his way to reach fifty.

But the latter threw away his wicket, pulling a short ball from Veer Pratap to Saurabh at short mid-wicket. The dismissal triggered a mini collapse as Azharuddeen (9), Jalaj Saxena (5) and Aditya Sarwate (5) fell cheaply and it was left to Salman to save the day for Kerala.