Tamil Nadu ended day one of their second-round Ranji Trophy Group A match against Nagaland in complete control, thanks to centuries from R Vimal Khumar and Pradosh Ranjan Paul.
Vimal, drafted into the playing XI after opener B Sachin was sidelined with chickenpox, seized the opportunity with a fluent maiden century of 189 runs off 224 balls, hitting 28 boundaries Pradosh complemented him with a composed 156 off 246 deliveries, including 19 fours. The pair shared a 307-run second-wicket partnership that firmly established Tamil Nadu’s dominance after the early dismissal of SR Athish for 14, caught by Chetan Bist off Odilemba Kichu for 14.
Vimal’s innings ended when he edged Ronit More, was caught by Jonathan Rongsen, while attempting to accelerate. Pradosh then partnered C Andre Siddarth, and together they added an unbeaten 62-run third-wicket stand, taking Tamil Nadu to 399 for two in 90 overs at stumps.
Nagaland, which had previously lost by an innings and 179 runs to defending champions Vidarbha, found it difficult to challenge the disciplined Tamil Nadu batting.
Pradosh remained unbeaten on 156, and Andre Siddarth was not out on 30.
Having won the toss and opted to bat, Tamil Nadu will resume on day two in a commanding position, aiming to build a huge first-innings lead and put pressure on Nagaland.