The second day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group match between Gujarat and Hyderabad witnessed a thrilling turnaround as Gujarat took control, leaving Hyderabad with a mountain to climb.
The home team, resuming on 334/8, added a quick nine runs before being bowled out, with Manan Hingrajia missing out on a maiden first-class double century by just 19 runs. Hingrajia’s 181 runs, however, set a challenging target for Hyderabad.
Hyderabad’s response got off to a disastrous start, losing Tanmay Agarwal and Abhirath Reddy cheaply in the first three overs. Captain G. Rahul Singh and Rohit Rayudu then steadied the ship with a 75-run partnership for the third wicket. Rahul Singh, in particular, impressed with some audacious strokes, including a six off Arzan Nagwaswalla. However, both batsmen fell in quick succession, leaving Hyderabad reeling at 123/6.
Debutant K. Himateja and Chama Milind then combined to stage a crucial fightback, adding 99 runs for the seventh wicket. Milind, the more aggressive of the two, struck a fluent 60 runs, including a six off Gujarat captain Chitan. Himateja, who started slowly, gradually found his rhythm and played some exquisite cover drives. However, just when it seemed Hyderabad was getting back in the game, Milind’s dismissal on the last ball of the day brought Gujarat back into the contest.
Gujarat, now firmly in control, will be looking to further extend their lead on day three. The momentum shift, sparked by Milind’s dismissal, leaves Hyderabad with a challenging task to overcome. The match promises to be a tense and exciting battle as both teams fight for a crucial victory in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group.
