Punjab's top order failed to impress after fast bowlers Vikram Rajvir Singh and Amit Uniyal shared nine wickets to dismiss Tamil Nadu for 244 in their first innings on the second day in the Ranji trophy Elite 'B' match in Chennai on Tuesday.
At close, Punjab were 164 for five with Ankur Kakkar (11) and Amit Uniyal (12) at the crease.
Earlier, the hosts, resuming at 191 for seven, were all out for 244 in 109 overs.
A 119-run stand between K.Sri Vasudeva Das, who remained unbeaten with a chanceless 91 (296m, 196b, 9 fours) and M.R.Srinivas (52) helped Tamil Nadu reach a modest score. Rajvir Singh claimed 5/70 while Amit Uniyal 4/63.
Punjab were in trouble at 63 for 3 before opener Ravneet Ricky steadied the innings, making a superb 71 before being
bowled by left arm spinner, Ramkumar. He put on 74 runs for the fourth wicket with wicket keeper batsman, Pankaj Dharmani
(23).
R.Sodhi (24), Yuvraj Singh (9) Dinesh Mongia (1) all threw away their wickets.
Yuvraj's short pull off Jesuraj resulted in a top edge to short square leg and wicket keeper Vikram Kumar ran to take
the catch. Mongia played on trying to defend a Jesuraj delivery. Jesuraj claimed all three wickets in his third spell.
Brief Scores:
Tamil Nadu (First innings): 244 all out 109 overs (S.Sriram 38, K.Vasudeva Das 91 not out, M R Srinivas
52, V.R.Singh 5/70, A.Uniyal 4/63)
Punjab: 164 for 5 in 63 overs (Ravneet Ricky 71, R.S.Sodhi 24, R.Jesuraj 3 for 50).