lone warrior: Palash Jyoti Das. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

CK NAYUDU TROPHY

Jorhat, Feb. 3: Jharkhand today rode a 55-run last-wicket partnership between Manoj Kumar Singh and Anikesh Kumar to take a vital 13-run first innings lead against Assam on the second day of their three-day C.K. Nayudu Trophy (under-22) East Zone match at the Gymkhana ground here.

The visitors, who were reeling at 153 for nine, capitalised on some rank-bad fielding by Assam to stitch the 55-run stand by the tailenders. The lead ensured two points for the visitors if the match ends in a draw tomorrow.

Manoj remained unbeaten on 38, while Anikesh ran out at the individual score of 19.

Assam fielders, especially Ranji Trophy player Chandan Rawat and wicketkeeper Mriganka Jyoti Sarma, dropped at least four catches offered by the tailenders.

Assam were 39 for the loss of opener Pranjal Tamuli (5) at stumps. Chandan Rawat was batting on 31 with Jason Lamare (2) at the other end.

Resuming at overnight 156 for six, the Assam first innings folded at 195 as three lower-order batsmen, including skipper Dhiraj Goswami, fell without adding a single run to the scoreboard.

Mriganka remained unbeaten on 39, the topscore for the side, while his overnight partner Nandalal Mahato (37) was caught and bowled by spinner Sujit Rai.

Rai hauled six for 26, including all four wickets today, in 20.4 overs that comprised 10 maidens.

In the visitor?s first innings, Kundan Kumar scored a flawless 73 while Mohit Goyal contributed 25 runs. Assam dropped eight catches in the entire innings.

Part-time spinner Palash Jyoti Das took five for 52 off 21 overs and skipper Goswami claimed two for 47.

With a day to go, Assam coach Mukut Das said the team would ?take a chance for an outright win? tomorrow.