post news network
Cuttack, Oct 9: Orissa’s decision to go into the Ranji Trophy tie against Maharashtra with five batsmen may well backfire when the game resumes Saturday. Chasing Maharashtra’s first innings score of 281, the hosts at stumps are 167 for the loss of four wickets, courtesy a 99-run fifth-wicket partnership between last-match centurion Govind Poddar (78 batting 167b, 12×4) and Pratik Das (32 batting, 98b, 4×4). But they are the last recognised batsmen at the crease and an early loss of wickets on the third day may well stop Orissa in their tracks as they eye a first innings lead.
The Barabati Stadium wicket here has the tendency to have some life for the fast men, at least for the first hour as was demonstrated when the visitors resumed their innings. Maharashtra starting at their overnight score of 231 for five suddenly found themselves reeling at 231 for eight within 10 balls of the start.
Basant Mohanty (2/41) and Suryakant Pradhan (4/90) did the early damage. Basant accounted for RA Tripathy and Shrikant Mundhe while Suryakant dismissed CG Khurana. The incoming ball did wonders as both Tripathy and Khurana were caught plumb in front. Maharashtra managed to cross the 275-run mark thanks to the efforts of the tail where SM Fallah (19) and NR Dhumal (16) put on valuable runs.
But then Orissa’s brittle top-order was once more exposed as Mundhe (3/40) bowled an incisive spell. At one stage Orissa were 68 for four and looking down the barrel before Govind and Pratik stemmed the rot.
Both batted with utmost caution and discretion. They left the balls that deserved the treatment but were quick enough to pounce on the loose deliveries and hit them for boundaries. Their bats will definitely have to do the talking when Orissa start Saturday.
Brief scores: Maharashtra 281 (Suryakant Pradhan 4/90, Basant Mohanty 2/41); Orissa 167 for 4 (Govind Poddar 78 batting, Shrikant Mundhe 3/40). Match to continue.
