While Dhull perished for 133, captain Ankit returned unbeaten as NZONE finished the day at 388/2.
As they already had a 175-run first-innings lead, their overall lead has reached 563 runs.
Here is the Day 3 report.
Ankit & Dhull Shine in NZONE’s Commanding Second Innings
NZONE’s second innings on Day 3 began on a positive note as skipper Ankit and Shubham Khajuria stitched together a solid opening stand of 54 runs. After Khajuria’s dismissal, Dhull joined Ankit, and from there, the game tilted completely in NZONE’s favor.
The duo launched a counter-attack against EZONE’s bowlers and went on to add a massive 240-run partnership for the second wicket. This stand became the turning point of the innings.
Even after Dhull’s dismissal, Ankit found great support in Ayush Badoni, who remained unbeaten on *56. The pair added an unbroken 94-run stand, ensuring that NZONE ended the day on a commanding high.
Recap of the First Two Innings
On Day 2, NZONE had already shown their batting strength by piling up a mammoth total of 405/10 in their first innings.
Ayush Badoni (63) and Kanhaiya Wadhawan (76) were the key contributors with half-centuries.
For EZONE, Manishi starred with the ball, taking a six-wicket haul.
In reply, EZONE could only manage 230/10, with Virat Singh (69) being their lone fighter. NZONE’s Auqib Nabi stole the show, registering a sensational double hat-trick and claiming a fifer.
Dhull’s Eighth First-Class Hundred
Dhull smashed 133 off 157 balls, decorated with 14 fours and 3 sixes. This was his eighth First-Class century, taking his tally to 2,226 runs from 31 matches at an average of 45-plus (50s: 6).
It’s worth noting that Dhull had scored 39 runs in the first innings of this very match. The young star continues to make waves, having earlier struck twin centuries on his First-Class debut against Tamil Nadu in February 2022.
Ankit’s Purple Patch
Ankit remained unbeaten on 168 off 264 balls, marking his third successive century in First-Class cricket.
His recent scores in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy include 136, 11, and 118, showcasing rich form.
This was Ankit’s sixth FC ton, pushing his career tally beyond 2,300 runs from 37 games at an average of 38-plus (50s: 10).
The Haryana opener is proving to be a consistent run-getter at the top of the order.
Badoni’s Consistency Continues
Ayush Badoni scored 56 off 78 balls*, registering his second fifty of the match. Earlier, he played a crucial knock of 63 off just 60 deliveries in the first innings.
With a fluent and stylish batting technique, Badoni has quickly built a reputation as one of India’s most reliable young middle-order batters.
In just 15 First-Class games, he has already crossed 1,150 runs at an average of over 55.
His tally includes 3 centuries and 5 half-centuries.