Railways fight back on second day

The Irani Trophy match between Ranji Trophy champions Railways and Rest of India is poised interestingly at the end of the second day's play at Delhi's Karnail Singh stadium. When stumps were drawn, Railways, thanks to opener Jai P Yadav, had made a good beginning after dismissing Rest of India for 266 in the first innings on the second day. But the loss of three crucial wickets, including that of the usually reliable Yere Goud (1), meant that they weren't out of the woods yet.

In the morning, Railways, who were 213 for four at the end of the first day's play, collapsed in the face of some inspired bowling by off-spinner Kulamani Parida and medium-pacer Harvinder Singh on the second morning.

It was Harvinder's partner Zakir Hussain, though, who triggered the collapse by dismissing former India wicket-keeper Vijay Dahiya. Harvinder, then, put the Rest of India innings in further strife by claiming two more wickets, those of Rohan Gavaskar and Satrajit Lahiri, in his opening spell, as their opponents were reduced to 236-7.

Parida, then, took over and mopped up the tail, claiming the last three wickets, to end the Rest innings for the addition of a further 30 runs.

When Railways began their reply, Yadav dropped anchor and played a patient game while compiling an unbeaten 71 off 148 balls. His knock ensured that his team reached 135-3 despite the other batsmen struggling.

The hopes of the Ranji champions now rest on Yadav and Jacob Martin, who is batting on 25.