Tamil Nadu's match ends in draw

After declaring at its overnight score of 357 for four, with a lead of 99 runs, the host removed both Tripura openers cheaply to ignite hopes of an improbable win before the weather intervened.

When play was called off, Tripura was 91 for three, still trailing by eight runs. Wicket-keeper batsman Smit Patel was unbeaten on 35, while Yashpal Singh was keeping him company at 11. 

Earlier, the players walked off the field when light faded fast with Tripura at 22 for two from eight overs in the morning. The highlight of the morning session was R Ashwin’s running catch from midon to midwicket to dismiss Udayan Bose off Rahil Shah. 

Tamil Nadu collected three points by virtue of first innings lead, while Tripura received one point. After two rounds, TN has four points. It will next take on Mumbai in an away match from October 24. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. Left-arm spinner Rahil opened the bowling and his first spell read an impressive two wickets for nine runs from four overs. 

When play resumed, TN captain Abhinav Mukund spilled a tough chance of Rajesh Banik off Ashwin in first slip. The promising MS Washington Sundar was introduced in the 24th over, and he made an instant impact dismissing Banik caught at short leg by M Kaushik Gandhi with the score on 62. 

The seasoned Yashpal struck a six over extra covers and a four in the same region off R Sai Kishore in to reduce the deficit. At the stroke of tea, the players had to leave the field again and this time there was no coming back. 

Tripura (1st innings) 258; Tamil Nadu (1st innings) 357/4 decl. Tripura (2nd innings): B Ghosh c Indrajith b Rahil Shah 3, U Bose c Ashwin b Rahil Shah 12, R Banik c Kaushik Gandhi b Washington Sundar 19, S Patel (not out) 35, Yashpal Singh (not out) 11. Extras: 11. Total (for three wickets in 34 overs) 91. FoW: 1-14, 2-21, 3-62. Bowling: Rahil Shah 122-30-2, Ashwin 11-1-240, Washington 6-3-7-1, Sai Kishore 5-1-19-0.