Pune, Dec 7: Biplab Samantray (64 batting, 4×4, 2×6) struck a gutsy, unbeaten half century to guide Orissa to a respectable 223 for five on day one of their opening Group B Ranji Trophy match against Maharashtra here Sunday.
Biplab was ably supported by Haladhar Das (28 batting, 116b, 3×4, 1×6). The two have so far put on an unfinished stand of 78 runs for the sixth wicket, but will have to put on many more if Orissa are to make a match out of it against the strong Maharshtra line-up. Opener Natraj Behera hit a cautious 112-ball 66 before Samantray steadied the ship.
Shrikant Mundhe and Domnic Joseph had two wickets each on the first day, while there was one for Akshay Darekar at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
Earlier, after Abhilash Mallick decided to bat, after winning the toss, Behera along with Girija Rout (17) put on 44 runs for the first wicket before the latter was dismissed by Mundhe. Niranjan Behera (23) got the start but could not make it count, while Anurag Sarangi made 10.
Brief scores: Orissa: 223/5 (Biplab Samantray 64 n o, Natraj Behera 66; Domnic Joseph 2/29). Match to continue.
