Post news Network
Tangi, Dec 15: Gujarat took firm command over Orissa in their Ranji Trophy tie at the DRIEMS ground here Monday by establishing a 30-run first innings lead at stumps. After bundling out Orissa for 225, the visitors scored 255 for the loss four wickets riding on a superb unbeaten knock from Bhargav Merai (87 batting, 212b, 13×4).
The pitch which had so many demons for the Orissa batters disappeared once the Gujarat players took to the crease. Merai, Parthiv Patel (44, 78b, 5×4) and Axar Patel (31 batting, 43b, 4×4, 1×6) handled the Orissa bowlers with ease and scored at a brisk pace by maintaining a rate of over three runs per over.
Biplab Samantray (2/42) was the best bowler for the hosts as he bowled with changes in pace to trouble the Gujarat batsmen. The two other wickets were shared by Suryakant Pradhan and Deepak Behera. Also helping the visitors was ‘Mr Extras’. Orissa have already conceded 35 extras and that is too high a number considering the total score on board.
Merai hit the ball to all parts of the ground. His driving and footwork was a treat to watch as he handled the bowling with ease. Patel also looked promising during his short knock but fell misjudging the length of a Suryakant delivery.
Earlier Rush Kalaria (6/59) took one more wickets as Orissa added just six runs for the loss of the tailenders and finished on 225. The hosts now will have to play out of their skins to draw the game and at least salvage one point from the tie. But that looks a distant dream.
Brief scores: Orissa 225 (Rush Kalaria 6/59); Gujarat 255 for 4 (Bhargav Merai 87 batting, Biplab Samantray 2/42). Match to continue.
