Bhubaneswar: After a batting debacle Odisha’s bowlers also failed to impress in their Elite Group C Ranji Trophy encounter against Services at Palam, New Delhi, Monday.
In reply to Odisha’s paltry first innings score of 177, Services were 183 for the loss of four wickets at the end of the second day’s play. Opener NK Singh (64, 161b, 8×4) batted well for Services to score a patient half century. He along with other opener Ravi Chauhan (48, 95b, 7×4) made life difficult for Odisha bowlers as they stitched together 87 run for the first wicket. However fluent Chauhan was unlucky to miss a half century.
After the departure of the openers Services’ batting line was shaken a bit as Mohit Alhawat (25) and Rahul Singh Gahlaut (11) failed to capitalse on their good starts and threw away their wickets. Rajat Paliwal (22 batting) and Vikas Hathwala (9 batting) were trying to resurrect the innings at stumps.
Abhishek Rout (2/52) was the most successful bowler for Odisha. Govind Poddar (1/28) and Anurag Sarangi (1/13) picked up one wicket each.
Services have now a crucial first innings lead of six runs with six important wickets in hand. With the pitch assisting the bowlers Odisha will be under immense pressure and serious trouble awaits them in the remaining two days.
Brief scores: Odisha 177; Sevices 183/4 (NK Singh 64, Ravi Chauhan 48; Abhishek Rout 2/52). Match to continue.
