Kolkata: The Jharkhand cricket team scripted a world record in first-class cricket by taking an overall lead of 1008 runs in the Ranji Trophy knockout match against Nagaland at Eden Gardens.
Jharkhand amassed a gigantic first-innings total of 880 runs, the fourth-highest team total in Ranji Trophy history.
But they were not satisfied.
Despite bowling out Nagaland for 289, thus taking a mammoth first-innings lead of 591 runs, Jharkhand didn’t enforce the follow-on and opted to bat a second time with an eye on the record. It was quite farcical but Jharkhand couldn’t be blamed as they had already qualified for the quarterfinals thanks to the first-innings lead.
A draw was enough, they didn’t have to go for an outright win.
Batting a second time Jharkhand scored 417 for 6, to take the overall lead to a whopping 1008 runs.
Kumar Kushagra scored a 250 in first innings, and followed it up with 89.
The previous best overall lead recorded in Ranji Trophy was Bombay’s 958 runs versus Maharashtra in 1948-49.
Scores: Jharkhand 880 and 417/6. Nagaland 289.
Result: Match drawn, Jharkhand qualified for quarterfinals on first-innings lead.
