Haryana defeat J&K by an innings and 118 runs

The possibility of an innings victory over Jammu and Kashmir was converted into a reality by Haryana's bowlers today. After a dismal display last year Haryana came to life with a rejuvenating outright trumph over Jammu and Kashmir in the opening encounter of the North Zone Ranji Trophy league at the Maharaja Aggarsain Stadium today. In the process they also avenged their defeat suffered at the hands of same opponents last year at Jammu. On the third and penultimate day of the match , Haryana registered a convincing victory over their rivals with an innings margin.

After facing the humiliation of follow-on, Jammu and Kashmir needed another 282 runs to make Haryana bat again with nine wickets intact at draw of stumps yesterday. Today, Haryana bowlers spent a frustating first session as Jammu and Kashmir's overnight-unbeaten pair of batsmen ­ Raju Sharma (57 in 227 minutes) and Kavaljit Singh offered resistance and registered hundred run partnership for the second wicket in 144 minutes off 223 balls.

The partnership was terminated when leg-spinner Amit Mishra provided the much needed breakthrough, but not before the pair had added 140 runs. Kanwal scored 71 runs in 206 minutes off 174 balls. He hit twelve fours. His dismissal cleared the decks for Haryana's outright victory. Jammu and Kashmir lost the remaining wickets in quick succession. It was young left arm spinner S Vidyut who was playing his first match for Haryana after migrating from Tamil Nadu who did the damage.

Vidyut struck in a big way and bagged 6 wickets after conceding only 24 runs in 21 overs. The Jammu and Kashmir innings folded at 179 to give Haryana a victory by innings. Haryana managed to garner as many as 8 points whereas Jammu and Kashmir got no points from the match.