Himachal restrict Jammu and Kashmir

Host Himachal Pradesh bowled out Jammu and Kashmir for 187 in their first innings on the second day of North Zone Ranji tie at Mandi, thereby conceding a lead of 42 runs.

Accurate bowling by Vishal Bhatia (4-55) and Shakti Singh (3-71) helped Himachal Pradesh contain the visitors to a moderate score. Jammu and Kashmir failed to capitalise fully on Himachal Pradesh's low first-innings total, and none of the batsmen could put up a sizeable score. Abdul Qayoom was the highest scorer, making 32, followed by Vikrant Taggar with 31.

Resuming play at an overnight total of 21/1, Jammu and Kashmir lost Kavaljit Singh at 43, followed by opener Raju Seema at 51.

Himachal Pradesh, in reply, were 73 for two in the second innings, with both openers Nischal Gaur (18) and Sandeep Sharma (14) back in the pavilion. Rajiv Nayyar, however, who was unbeaten on 41 in the first innings, was at the crease on 17, while Sangram Singh was not out on 22 at the close of the day.