Weather Bails Out Pondicherry as Hyderabad’s Lead Fades in Ranji Trophy Draw

On a cloudy Tuesday at CAP Ground 2, Hyderabad secured three points in their Ranji Trophy Group-D match against Pondicherry. This outcome came after the morning session of the final day was washed out due to persistent drizzle and a wet outfield.

Had the weather been more favorable, Hyderabad might have secured an outright win. Unfortunately, with three sessions lost over the past two days to rain, Pondicherry managed to draw the match despite conceding a substantial 309-run first-innings deficit.

Pondicherry’s batting resilience was noteworthy, especially after losing seven wickets in just 25 overs on Monday. On the fourth day, Aman Khan and debutant Karan Kannan managed to hold their ground for 11.5 overs after play resumed post-lunch.

Aman played aggressively during their 35-run partnership for the ninth wicket, utilizing his reach to drive the spinners through covers.

However, Tanay Thyagarajan disrupted Pondicherry’s resistance. The left-arm spinner dismissed opener Ganga Sridhar Raju, who had initially looked threatening with five boundaries, favoring attack over defense.

Thyagarajan, aided by a sharp catch from wicketkeeper Rahul Radesh, who dived to complete the catch after a short-leg fielder’s deflection, sent Raju back to the pavilion. Later, Thyagarajan bowled Aman for his second dismissal of the day, and G. Anikethreddy trapped Jayant Yadav, giving Hyderabad a glimmer of hope. Captain Rahul Singh upped the pressure by stationing four fielders around the batters.

Despite producing two quick wickets after tea, Hyderabad was up against the clock and fading light, which ultimately led to the match being called off 10 minutes early, at 4:50 p.m.

Published on Oct 28, 2025.