Having posted a commanding 571 for seven declared in the first innings, Tamil Nadu dismissed Chandigarh for just 94 in 37.3 overs before enforcing the follow-on. At stumps on the third day, Chandigarh remained 288 runs behind, with only three wickets in hand. Left-arm spinner S. Ajith Ram led the second-innings attack with four wickets, while captain R. Sai Kishore and pacer Saravana Kumar provided crucial support.
Chandigarh showed greater resistance in its second attempt, with openers Nehal Pajni and Arjun Azad putting together 73 runs. Azad scored 60 off 90 deliveries, striking eight fours and a six, while Pajni contributed 26. Their partnership offered the home side some stability before Sai Kishore broke through just before lunch, with G. Ajitesh taking a sharp catch at forward short-leg.
Manan Vohra then joined Azad and appeared to be rebuilding the innings. The pair added 82 runs for the second wicket, with Vohra scoring 59 off 72 balls, including 11 boundaries. However, Azad’s dismissal while attempting to advance down the track against Ajith Ram changed the momentum. Wicketkeeper N. Jagadeesan completed the stumping, opening the way for Tamil Nadu’s spinners to take control.
Ajith Ram capitalised on the breakthrough, dismissing Akshit Rana and Bhagmender Lather before removing Arjit Pannu, who had resisted for 57 deliveries but managed only nine runs. Saravana Kumar trapped Vohra leg-before, while Sai Kishore accounted for Chiragvir Dhindsa. Chandigarh slipped from 155 for two to 185 for seven, losing five wickets for just 30 runs.
Tamil Nadu had earlier dismantled the Chandigarh first innings in a dominant morning session. Medium-pacer Sonu Yadav struck four times, finishing with figures of four for 18 from 8.3 overs. He removed Arjit Pannu and Bhagmender Lather early before Chandigarh lost further wickets through a run-out and his subsequent strikes. Saravana Kumar claimed two wickets, as did Sai Kishore, while the hosts were bowled out for 94.
The first-innings collapse left Chandigarh facing an enormous deficit, and its improved batting effort in the follow-on has only delayed the inevitable pressure. With 288 runs still required to make Tamil Nadu bat again and three wickets remaining, the visitors are firmly positioned to complete the match on the fourth day. Ajith Ram’s spell has been central to that advantage, while Sonu’s early breakthroughs ensured Tamil Nadu could dictate the course of the contest.