Vadodara: J&K team skipper Parveez Rasool feels their quarter-final against Punjab has reached a crucial stage and the third day tomorrow will play an important role on the outcome of the match.
Talking to media persons at the end of the second day's play here, Rasool said: "I'm happy with my batting, I made 103 runs but I'm disappointed that my team's efforts to take a first innings lead failed and we conceded a marginal 27 runs 1st innings lead to Punjab."
"At one stage, we thought of taking a vital lead over them.
"However, the way our bowlers dismissed the opening pair of Punjab in the second innings with a total of 15 runs, I am sure they will repeat the performance tomorrow as this pitch has been very helpful to the fast bowlers," Rasool added.
Rasool today led from the front with a gutsy 103 off 137 balls as Jammu and Kashmir fought back gallantly to score 277 in reply to Punjab's first innings score of 304.
J&K then reduced Punjab to 15 for two in their second innings to leave their Ranji Trophy quarter-final match evenly poised.
Briefing the media, Sandeep Sharma of Punjab said: "Despite losing two quick wickets in the second innings today, we will try to achieve a target of 300 runs in the second knock. The way this pitch is taking turn, it will be difficult for our rivals to reach that target, " he added.
Singh, however, praised the rival team members for their spirited performance.
