Srinagar, Feb 16: Bengal tightened their grip on the contest as Jammu and Kashmir reached 198 for 5 at stumps on the second day, still 130 runs short of Bengal’s first innings total of 328. On a surface that offered steady help to the seamers, Mohammed Shami led a disciplined bowling effort that ensured the hosts finished the day with the advantage.
After being bowled out for 328 in 97.1 overs, Bengal struck early blows to push Jammu and Kashmir on the back foot. Shami removed Shubham Khajuria and Yawer Hassan leg before wicket, setting the tone with probing lines and sharp movement. Mukesh Kumar supported him well, claiming two wickets, as Jammu and Kashmir stumbled to 13 for 3 in the opening exchanges. The early damage left the middle order with the task of rebuilding under pressure.
Captain Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad responded with a counterattacking partnership that revived the innings. Dogra compiled a patient 58 from 112 deliveries, finding the boundary seven times and absorbing the pressure. At the other end, Samad played with greater freedom, striking 82 off 85 balls with 12 fours in an innings that blended composure with intent. Their stand carried Jammu and Kashmir past the 150 mark and briefly shifted the momentum away from Bengal.
However, Bengal regained control by removing both set batters in quick succession around the 40-over mark. From a promising 156 for 3, Jammu and Kashmir slipped to 156 for 5, undoing much of the recovery. Shami finished the day with figures of 3 for 60, while Mukesh Kumar returned 2 for 40. Akash Deep and Shahbaz Ahmed maintained pressure from the other end, keeping the scoring rate in check.
At close, Abid Mushtaq was unbeaten on 26, and Kanhaiya Wadhawan remained on 10, with the lower order still to come. Jammu and Kashmir will look to narrow the deficit on the third morning and avoid conceding a substantial first innings lead. Bengal, with runs on the board and their seam attack in rhythm, will aim to press home their advantage.
