Aurangabad: Akash Kumar Choudhary’s impressive bowling spell highlighted day two of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match between Meghalaya and Maharashtra, as the young bowler took 3/59 to keep his team in contention. By stumps, Maharashtra managed to reach 263/5, trailing Meghalaya by just 13 runs.
Resuming their innings at 274/8, Meghalaya could only add two runs before being bowled out for 276. Star batsman Anirudh B, who had carried the innings with a superb 142, was dismissed early in the morning session, marking a swift end to Meghalaya’s resistance.
Maharashtra’s response got off to a rocky start as they slipped to 51/4, with three of their top-order batsmen failing to reach double figures. Akash led the charge, dismantling Maharashtra’s lineup with a disciplined bowling performance.
However, a crucial 142-run partnership between Harshal Kate and AN Kazi turned the tide for Maharashtra. Kate, who remains unbeaten on 117, anchored the innings, while Kazi contributed a solid 66 before Akash managed to trap him LBW, breaking the stand that had given Maharashtra a lifeline.
Alongside Akash’s three wickets, Aryan Borah added to the pressure with his left-arm spin, taking 1/48. Akash also contributed to a run-out, further showcasing his all-round abilities in the field.
As the match heads into day three, Maharashtra will look to build a first-innings lead, while Meghalaya will hope Akash and the rest of the bowling attack can deliver a quick breakthrough to regain control of the game.