Dega Nischal, a Karnataka-born opener, and Imliwati Lemtur combined to produce one of the most remarkable batting performances of the season, guiding Nagaland to 365 for 5 at stumps and frustrating Tamil Nadu on the penultimate day of their Ranji Trophy Group A match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru on Monday.
Dega Nischal (161*, 350b, 24×4) and Imliwati Lemtur (115*, 203b, 17×4, 3×6) forged an unbroken 205-run sixth-wicket partnership that not only rescued Nagaland from trouble but also put them in a position to dream of a first-innings lead. The duo displayed patience and composure after an early setback when Yugandhar Singh, the other overnight batter, fell to DT Chandrasekar for 67, ending a 129-run fifth-wicket stand with Nischal.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu had hoped to enforce a follow-on after their massive 512-run first innings, especially with Gurjapneet Singh’s fiery spell on Sunday that included a hat-trick and left Nagaland reeling at 9/3 and 31/4. However, Nischal’s disciplined batting and Lemtur’s unexpected fluency blunted the attack completely on Monday. Nischal also reached 2,000 First-Class runs during the innings.
Anchoring the innings with calm assurance, Nischal brought up his 10th first-class century, his sixth for Nagaland, with a flick to fine leg. Lemtur, usually known for his left-arm spin, raised his maiden hundred in his 43rd match. When he came to the crease with Nagaland struggling at 159/5 and trailing by 353, few would have predicted the turnaround.
Tamil Nadu skipper Sai Kishore tried several bowling combinations, but apart from Chandrasekar’s lone success, the attack struggled to make inroads. As bad light ended play, Nagaland had reduced the deficit to 147 runs, leaving the southern side’s hopes of full points fading fast.
Nagaland’s spirited recovery turned what had looked like a one-sided contest into a battle of nerves heading into the final day.
