Anukul Roy produced a career-best bowling performance to put Jharkhand firmly on course for victory against Nagaland on Day 3 of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match at the JSCA International Stadium Complex.
The 26-year-old left-arm spinner returned figures of 8 for 55 as Nagaland were bowled out for 154 in 73.5 overs. Jharkhand, who had declared at their overnight score of 510 for 8, enforced the follow-on. By stumps, Nagaland were struggling at 104 for 5 in 36 overs, trailing by 252 runs.
Nagaland started well with openers Nischal (41) and Sedezhalie Rupero (33) adding 61 runs for the first wicket. However, once Roy dismissed Rupero, the visitors collapsed quickly, with only Chetan Bist offering resistance with an unbeaten 46. Sushant Mishra and Manishi chipped in with one wicket each.
In the second innings, Nagaland again faltered as Manishi struck early to remove both openers, Nischal and Rupero. Roy continued his fine form, claiming the wickets of captain Rongsen Jonathan, who top-scored with a fighting fifty, and Imliwati Lemtur.
At stumps, Yugandhar Singh (4) and Hem Chetri (6) were at the crease, with Nagaland still facing a massive challenge to avoid defeat. Roy’s dominant performance with the ball has left Jharkhand just five wickets away from sealing the match.