Ranji Trophy: Vijay Shankar's ton helps Tamil Nadu salvage a point against Chhattisgarh

(Photo: X/TNCA)

Chennai: A superb century by former Indian cricketer Vijay Shankar and fine half century by skipper N Jagadeesan helped Tamil Nadu salvage a point as their third round Elite Group D Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh ended in a draw at Coimbatore on Tuesday.

Following on with a 241 first innings deficit, Tamil Nadu resuming at 71 for one and still 170 runs behind, came up with better show in the second essay on the final and finished at 264 for four in 76 overs, when both the captains agreed to call off.

After losing overnight batsman C Andre Siddarth (41), who added that five runs to his score, Tamil Nadu recovered through the third wicket stand between Jagadeesan and Vijay Shankar to keep the Chhattisgarh spinners at bay and deny them an outright victory.

Resuming at 28 not out, Jagadeesan completed a fine half century (60, 122 balls, 6x4) and Vijay Shankar struck from when it mattered most and remained unbeaten on 106--his tenth century and first in this venue--(165 balls, 9x4, 4x6) as the duo added 67 for the third wicket in 20.1 overs.

The home lost another wicket, as Chhattisgarh sniffed an outright win. But Vijay Shankar and Pradosh Ranjan Paul (39 not out, 73 balls, 5x4) stitched together a 76 run stand for unbroken fifth wicket in 20.3 overs, to ensure a draw and help the home team earn a point.

Chhattisgarh gained three points for their innings lead in this drawn encounter.

Brief scores :

Chhattisgarh 500 drew with Tamil Nadu 259 and 264 for four in 76 overs (N. Jagadeesan 60, C. Andre Siddarth 41, Vijay Shankar 106 not out, Pradosh Ranjan Paul 39 not out, Ajay Mandal 2 for 49).