Thiruvananthapuram: Punjab's last-wicket pair of Mayank Markande and Siddharth Kual frustrated Kerala on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C opener at the St Xavier's College Ground, Thumba, on Saturday. The two have so far added 37 to lift Punjab to 180/9 after senior pros Aditya Sarvate and Jalaj Saxena reduced them to 143/9.

Resuming on 95/5, the visiting side found the going tough against the spin duo on another rain-hit day. Only 38 overs were possible on the day.

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Krish Bhagat was the first to go as he was caught by Mohammed Azharuddeen off Saxena's bowling for 15. The dismissal also ended the 50-run stand between Bhagat and Ramandeep Singh for the sixth wicket.

Jalaj Saxena celebrates with Aditya Sarvate after a scalp. Photo: Special Arrangement
Jalaj Saxena celebrates with Aditya Sarvate after a scalp. Photo: Special Arrangement

Sarvate sent back Ramandeep for 43. The right-hander hit two fours and a six in his 72-ball knock.

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Markande (27 batting) and Kual (15 batting) played out 15 overs to extend Punjab's innings into the third day. 

Sarvate, playing his first game for Kerala, picked up 5/59, while Saxena returned figures of 4/70. This was Sarvate's 14th five-wicket haul at the first-class level.

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Brief scores: Punjab 180/9 in 77 overs (Ramandeep Singh 43; Aditya Sarvate 5/59, Jalaj Saxena 4/70) vs Kerala.

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