Cuttack: Subhranshu Senapati (84 n o, 169b, 9×4) and Abhishek Rout (83 n o, 104b, 9×4, 2×6) stitched together for an unbeaten 138-run sixth wicket partnership to lead Odisha to a deserving 5-wicket victory against Tripura on the final day of their Elite Group C Ranji Trophy encounter here at the DRIEMS Ground, Saturday.
Chasing 215 runs for victory, Odisha overhauled their target in 63.2 overs in the morning session itself. This is Odisha’s second win of the tournament – the previous was against Assam. With this win, the hosts are at the fifth spot with 13 points from four games while Rajasthan lead the table from 18 points from three matches.
Resuming the on their overnight score of 111/5, Subhranshu and Abhishek played cautiously finding boundaries occasionally. While Subhranshu played the defensive game, Abhishek freed his hands with some beautiful shots through the gaps. Such was their determination on the pitch that even the fiery bowling of Manishankar Murasingh who had a match haul of seven wickets couldn’t deter them.
Speaking over phone, man of the match Subhranshu said, “It feels really good to win two matches on the trot and hope we can continue the momentum. I am happy that I have contributed to the team’s victory.”
“The wicket was not east to bat on in the morning as the ball was seaming a bit. The Tripura bowlers bowled a tight line and length but we overcame those to snatch full points.” Odisha play their next match against Jharkhand.
Brief scores: Tripura 122 & 304 lost to Odisha 212 & 217/5 (Subhranshu Senapati 84 n o, Abhishek Raut 83 n o) by five wickets.
Roshan replaces Pappu
Cuttack: P Roshan Kumar Rao is the lone change in the Odisha team that played Tripura for their next match against Jharkhand December 6-9 in the Ranji Trophy, Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) announced in a press release Saturday. Roshan comes in the place of left-arm spinner Pappu Roy.
