Tamil Nadu dismissed Railways for 184 in 53.3 overs: a good showing by the home team bowlers, at least on the face of it.

A closer look at Monday’s proceedings at the MAC Stadium, though, reveals a story of missed opportunity. Sai Kishore & Co. had the visitor reeling at 123 for nine before Zubair Ali Khan (75, 121b, 7x4, 4x6) took the attack to the bowlers.

His 61-run stand with No. 11 Himanshu Sangwan (7 n.o., 25b, 1x4) frustrated Tamil Nadu for over 13 overs, with Zubair farming strike well and finding the boundary at will.

Earlier, this Ranji Trophy Elite Group D fixture began with Sonu Yadav breathing fire under overcast skies. The medium-pacer bowled eight consecutive overs in his first spell (three for 13), but his figures took a beating during Zubair’s late assault.

Sonu drew first blood by having S. Yuvraj Singh caught at second slip, a terrific grab by B. Indrajith, before trapping southpaws Eshaan Goyal and Mohammad Saif in front. While the conditions were tough for batting, the Railways willow-wielders did not do themselves any favours by going for unnecessary release shots, often leading to a miscue and a catch.

Ravi Singh’s wicket would have hurt Railways the most as it came with barely five minutes left for lunch. The left-hander played across the line against off-spinner J. Hemchudeshan, only to be caught at wide mid-off by Pradosh Ranjan Paul (82 for seven).

If not for Zubair, Tamil Nadu could have had a longer batting stint on day one, and a greater advantage. For now, the host has reached 71 for three in 25 overs, and trails by 113 runs.

By removing Vimal Khumar for a duck, N. Jagadeesan (30, 31b, 4x4) and Pradosh (19), the Railways bowlers have kept their team in the hunt.

The scores: Railways — 1st innings: S. Yuvraj Singh c Indrajith b Sonu 4, Vivek Singh c Hemchudeshan b Sai Kishore 14, Eshaan Goyal lbw b Sonu 0, Mohammad Saif lbw b Sonu 0, Raj Choudhary b Sai Kishore 7, Bhargav Merai c Indrajith b Gurjapneet 17, Ravi Singh c Pradosh b Hemchudeshan 21, Zubair Ali Khan c Vimal b Sai Kishore 75, Toufik Mondal c Indrajith b Hemchudeshan 18, Pradhyumn Parikh c Pradosh b Ajith Ram 9, Himanshu Sangwan (not out) 7; Extras (b-9, lb-2, w-1): 12; Total (in 53.3 overs): 184.

Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-7, 3-7, 4-18, 5-33, 6-51, 7-82, 8-102, 9-123.

Tamil Nadu bowling: Gurjapneet 12-3-27-1, Sonu 11-1-46-3, Sai Kishore 13.3-0-53-3, Ajith Ram 12-3-27-1, Hemchudeshan 5-0-20-2.

Tamil Nadu — 1st innings: Vimal Khumar b Himanshu 0, N. Jagadeesan b Toufik 30, Pradosh Ranjan Paul c & b Toufik 19, B. Indrajith (batting) 13, Andre Siddarth (batting) 8; Extras (w-1): 1; Total (for three wkts. in 25 overs): 71.

Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-44, 3-55.