Ishank Jaggi engineers Jharkhand fightback

Ishank Jaggi led Jharkhand’s spirited fightback with his 15th first-class hundred, and helped his side take the crucial first innings lead against Gujarat at stumps on day three of the Ranji Trophy semi-final, here on Tuesday.

Jharkhand, who were trailing Gujarat’s 390 by 176 runs with five down before play began on day three, rode on Jaggi’s brilliance to end their first innings at 408. Left-arm spinner and this season’s leading wicket-taker, Shahbaz Nadeem, then put Gujrat under pressure in their second innings, reducing them to 100 for four at close of play and just 82 ahead going into day four.

But it was Jaggi’s effort with the bat that allowed Jharkhand to comeback into the match. The 27-year-old, who scored his fourth century this season, has been instrumental in taking Jharkhand to their first ever Ranji Trophy semi-final alongside Ishan Kishan and Nadeem.Kaushal too played his part well with a 92-ball 53 while Shukla frustrated the opposition with a 66-ball 27. R P Singh was the stand out bowler for Gujrat with a six-wicket haul.