Photo via The Hindu

Ranji Trophy | Kukna inflicts damage, hands Rajasthan the lead

Rajasthan took a commanding 89-run first-innings lead in their Elite Group-D Ranji Trophy clash against Tamil Nadu, thanks in large part to the standout bowling of left-arm spinner Kukna Ajay Singh. Tamil Nadu’s collapse was accelerated by Kukna’s five-wicket haul (5/51), including the dismissal of Andre Siddarth, who had anchored a 61-run sixth-wicket partnership with Washington Sundar (26*).

The hosts folded for 274 after a slow start, managing just 65 runs in the morning session and losing key wickets to run-outs and sharp bowling. Rajasthan’s top scorer, Andre Siddarth, played a disciplined 81-ball innings, but his resistance crumbled as Kukna dismantled the lower order, removing Deepesh and Saravana Kumar in quick succession.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan’s second innings got off to a shaky start, losing four wickets for 31 runs, with Sachin Yadav and Karan Lamba falling cheaply to Tamil Nadu’s pace attack. The match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium remains in Rajasthan’s grasp as they look to extend their advantage on the final day.

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