In their Elite Group B Ranji Trophy clash at the KCA Cricket Ground in Mangalapuram, Kerala bowler Nidheesh MD has stolen the limelight with an exceptional bowling performance in the first session.
His
fiery spell yielded 5 wickets for just 15 runs in 8 overs, significantly denting Saurashtra's innings as Kerala has put Saurashtra in a stranglehold.
Saurashtra's first innings struggled with their top and middle order collapsing to leave them at a precarious 84/5 after 28 overs at lunch. Opener Harvik Desai was out for a duck, and middle-order batters like Chirag Jani (5) and Prerak Mankad (13) faced tough challenges from Kerala's disciplined bowling attack.
Jay Gohil, however, remains unbeaten on 63 and is the chief resistance for Saurashtra with crisp boundaries and some aggressive strokes. Gajjar Sammar also remains not out on 1.
Kerala's bowling effort was a combined team effort with Nidheesh MD leading the charge, supported by Basil NP and Edhen Apple Tom, with the bowlers exploiting the wicket conditions skillfully.
Kerala, who had a tough start in this Ranji season with just 2 points from three matches, appear to be striking back strongly in this must-win game to revive their campaign. Saurashtra, chasing their first victory of the tournament, were put under immense pressure by Kerala's bowling prowess.
Mattakandathil Dineshan Nidheesh, who hails from Kottayam, has been a key pacer for Kerala for some time now. The 34-year-old was part of the South Zone squad this year and was a force for Kerala last season when the Southern state played the Ranji Trophy final. Nidheesh was also part of the Mumbai Indians squad back in 2018.
