Zubair: "This is definitely a fighting total" after swashbuckling 75

On day one of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group-D fixture at the MAC Stadium on Monday, R. Sonu Yadav’s three wickets gave Tamil Nadu early impetus while Railways’ No. 8 Zubair Ali Khan responded with a swashbuckling 75.

Zubair, batting at No. 8, combined assured defence with aggressive strokeplay to compile the 75 and put on a 61-run last-wicket stand with Himanshu Sangwan.

He was reprieved at 144 for nine when Gurjapneet Singh dropped him off R. Sai Kishore, a chance that allowed him to add important runs to the total.

On the match situation, Zubair said: "Given how wickets fell at the start, we hoped to score 150. From there, I found opportunities to add more." He added: "You feel much freer when luck plays a part as a batter. Getting those extra runs is significant. Tomorrow [Tuesday], the pitch will offer more turn, and hitting the right spots will make scoring every run difficult. This is definitely a fighting total," Zubair explained.

Reflecting on his bowling, R. Sonu Yadav said: "It would have been even better if we had wrapped it up quickly. It’s always challenging when a tail-ender and a batter form that kind of rhythm because they manage the strike cleverly." He also commented on conditions: "The wicket was a bit damp, which is why we chose to bowl. There was assistance for me in the morning, but the pitch will suit the spinners more as the match progresses."

Both players expect the pitch to offer more turn on Tuesday, with Sonu forecasting a greater role for the spinners as the match moves into its next day.