Bhubaneswar: Saurabh Tiwary (132 n o, 220b, 8×4, 6×6) struck a magnificent century in their second innings to help Jharkhand post a challenging 260-run target for Odisha in their Elite Group C Ranji Trophy encounter in Ranchi, Saturday.
In reply, Odisha were reeling at 81/3 at stumps on the penultimate day of the match, still 179 runs to win with seven wickets in hand.
However, the day belonged to seasoned Tiwary who showed his power-hitting prowess to take his team’s total from 210/9 to 288 all out. He added 78 runs for the final wicket with Ashish Kumar. The credit also goes to Ashish who in spite of contributing just six runs to the partnership played a major role by facing 34 deliveries which allowed Tiwary to score at the other end.
Earlier, resuming play at 107/3, the hosts lost wickets at regular intervals to be reduced to 210/9. Rajesh Mohanty (4/87) was the star with ball for Odisha and he ably supported by his bowling partners.
Chasing a competitive target, Odisha openers yet again failed to provide a good start. In expectations of a good start, Govind Poddar (7) was sent to open the innings with Anurag Sarangi (41, 48b, 6×4) but it didn’t help the visitors as Poddar got out cheaply off Rahul Shukla (2/12).
Young Rajesh Dhuper (1) too struggled to get going before Shukla making him his second victim. Anurag, however, tried to make amends with Subhranshu Senapati (20 batting). But when it looked like the two would carry on for long, Varun Aaron (1/33) got the prized wicket of Anurag, who was looking dangerous with his strokeplay.
However, Subhranshu, along with his skipper Biplab Samantray (10 batting), ensured Odisha of no further hiccups on the day as Odisha reach 81/3 at the end of day’s play.
Brief scores: Jharkhand 172 & 288 (Saurabh Tiwary 132 n o; Rajesh Mohanty 4/87); Odisha 201 & 81/3 (Anurag Sarangi 41; Rahul Shukla 2/12). Match to continue.
