Cricket

Railways' Woes Continue as Tamil Nadu Dominates in Ranji TrophyAhmedabad, November 15, 2024: The Indian Railways team has endured a challenging start to their Ranji Trophy campaign, conceding a substantial lead to Tamil Nadu and losing half their side in their second innings.The hosts, who spent over 133 overs fielding as Tamil Nadu amassed 438 runs in their first innings, expressed their frustration through animated gestures and "clapping" in unison as several lbw and caught-behind appeals went against them.Tamil Nadu's S. Mohamed Ali played a pivotal role, scoring 91 runs and forging an 80-run partnership with S. Ajith Ram for the seventh wicket. However, Kunal Yadav's five-wicket haul put the brakes on Tamil Nadu's progress, removing Ajith Ram and S. Lakshay Jain in quick succession.Mohamed Ali, sensing an opportunity, decided to farm the strike and go for boundaries with No. 10 Gurjapneet Singh at the other end. This strategy proved successful as he was caught at long-on.Railways may have seen a glimmer of hope, but 16-year-old Pranav Ragavendra and Gurjapneet frustrated the bowlers with a 36-run stand. An extended first session was not enough for Railways to end their ordeal, as Tamil Nadu was only dismissed after lunch.To make matters worse, skipper Pratham Singh lost his stumps off the first ball of Railways' second innings as Gurjapneet continued his habit of striking early. The Railways top-order proceeded briskly after that, with Vivek Singh (63) and S.A. Ahuja (36) engaging in a 65-run stand. Mohammad Saif joined the opener for a 70-run association.However, three late-evening jolts saw Railways slipping from 135 for three to 150 for five. Unless Saif (52 batting) produces something extraordinary, Tamil Nadu is poised to secure a victory.