Post News network
Cuttack, Feb 8: There is nothing better in cricket than to watch a protracted struggle between bat and ball. The Orissa-Saurashtra Ranji Trophy Group B tie being played here at the Barabati Stadium has turned into a nerve-tingling mental battle with both sides trying to outdo the other. Orissa needing 283 for an outright victory and escaping relegation were 128 for the loss of two wickets at stumps. A margin of 155 runs still looms in front of them but the way Anurag Sarangi (49 batting, 113b, 8×4) and Govind Poddar (41 batting 93b, 6×4) defied the Saurashtra attack bodes well for the last day of what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
The second day of the tie saw 16 wickets fall, but on the third only six fell. Orissa mopped up the Saurashtra tail to bowl them out for 152. The visitors crossed the 150-run mark due the stubborn efforts of an injured Cheteshwar Pujara (39 n o, 103b, 5×4). The Indian Test batsman proved that with application it was possible to survive on this double-paced wicket. Anurag and Govind probably took a leaf out of his book.
Both batted with utmost dedication and application. They took advantage of the loose ball, but above all were ready to leave alone the ball that need not be played. Cricket is as much about scoring runs as leaving the ball. Both Anurag and Govind displayed that amply and as a result the hosts are looking in a much better position than they rarely did in the first essay.
Their efforts frustrated the pace trio of Sudeep Tyagi, Siddharth Trivedi and Jaidey Unadkat. One could see their shoulders droop as the day progressed. No doubt, they will come out fresh after a night’s rest and the wicket offering new life. But if Orissa can weather the early storm – the first hour – they can certainly control proceedings there on. The moment the margin of victory becomes double digits, the pressure will shift back to the Saurashtra bowlers.
Earlier Pujara along with Unadkat (18, 70b, 3×4) put on 53 runs for the fifth wicket. They showed that the wicket had become progressively easier to bat on. Once Unadkat was run out, Alok Mangaraj (3/51) came back to polish off the tail.
Brief scores: Saurashtra 218 and 152 (Cheteshwar Pujara 39 n o, Basant Mohanty 3/35, Alok Mangaraj 3/51); Orissa 88 and 128 for 2 (Anurag Sarangi 49 batting, Govind Poddar 41 batting). Match to continue.
