Ranji Trophy 2018-19, Round 9, Plate, Day 2: Sikkim in sight of big win against Arunachal

Ishwar Chaudhary recorded his eighth five-wicket haul of first-class career as Arunachal Pradesh finished the Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy 2018-19, round 9 clash against Sikkim at 104/8 with a slim second innings lead of 11 runs.

Ishwar took 5/49 in 15 overs while Bipul Sharma chipped in with a couple of wickets not allowing Arunachal batsmen any breathing space at the DN Singha Stadium, in Goalpara. They lost their openers inside four overs and half of their side by 28 overs with the scorecard reading 54.

They were in danger of being bowled out for less than 100 and even the possibility of an innings defeat was real. The pair of Tech Neri (20*) and Deendyal (17*) did well to end both the prospects with an unbeaten stand of 33 runs for the ninth wicket.

Earlier, Sikkim were bowled out for 262 in their first innings and thus taking a lead of 93 runs. Lee Yong Lepcha remained unbeaten 58 with seven fours while season's leading run-getter Milind Sharma scored 51 off 44. At one stage though it looked Arunachal bowlers will be able to limit the lead when Sikkim were reduced to 168/6 but Bipul Sharma (31) and Lepcha batted well to ensure a decent lead.

Brief Scores: Arunachal Pradesh 169 & 104/8 (Kshitiz Sharma 31; Ishwar Chaudhary 5/49) lead Sikkim 262 (Lee Yong Lepcha 58*, Milind Kumar 51) by 11 runs