Srinagar, Oct 29: Sensational centuries from Abdul Samad and a fighting knock from Sahil Lotra helped Jammu and Kashmir salvage a draw against Baroda in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group match at the Reliance Cricket Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday. Baroda, however, secured victory on the basis of a first-innings lead after J&K finished their second innings at 316 for six in 96 overs.
Forced to follow on after conceding a massive 313-run first-innings lead, J&K were staring at a possible defeat after their top order once again failed to provide a solid foundation. However, Samad and Lotra produced a remarkable fightback, ensuring the visitors batted out the final day to save the match.
Samad was the chief architect of the rescue act, hammering a magnificent 143 off just 152 deliveries. His aggressive innings featured 16 fours and seven sixes, as he took the attack to the opposition and shifted the momentum with a display of fearless strokeplay. The right-hander showed his ability to change the course of a match, countering Baroda’s bowling with an attacking approach when J&K needed it most.
At the other end, Lotra displayed tremendous patience and composure, remaining unbeaten on 96 off 240 balls. His innings was built on discipline and resilience, providing the perfect foil to Samad’s attacking approach. Lotra held his ground and his partnership with Samad proved decisive in taking J&K out of danger.
The pair stitched together a crucial 225-run partnership, transforming a precarious situation into one of relative comfort for the visitors. Their contrasting styles, Samad’s aggression and Lotra’s calm resistance,proved effective against a Baroda attack that had dominated proceedings for much of the match.
J&K had resumed the fourth day under pressure after being asked to follow on. Their first-innings total of 303 had left them 313 runs behind Baroda’s imposing 616, built around Priyanshu Moliya’s unbeaten 321 and Mahesh Pithiya’s 102.
The visitors’ second innings initially followed a familiar pattern, with the top order struggling to make an impact. Qamran Iqbal scored 20, Shubham Khajuria managed five, Kawalpreet Singh contributed 22, while captain Paras Dogra fell for one. The early setbacks raised the prospect of Baroda completing a convincing victory.
However, Samad’s counter-attacking century and Lotra’s determined effort changed the complexion of the contest. After Samad was dismissed for 143, Lotra continued to bat with discipline, ensuring Baroda could not force a result. Rydham Sharma added 11, while Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on one alongside Lotra when the match was drawn.
For Baroda, Mahesh Pithiya claimed three wickets, while Rasikh Salam, Bhargav Bhatt and Atit Sheth picked up one wicket each.
Priyanshu Moliya was adjudged Player of the Match for his monumental unbeaten 321 in Baroda’s first innings, which laid the foundation for the hosts’ first-innings advantage.
While J&K managed to avert defeat through a determined batting display, Baroda took the match honours by virtue of their commanding first-innings total.
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