Bhubaneswar: Odisha were pushed to the back foot in their Ranji Trophy campaign opener after being dismissed for a modest 178 to concede a massive 173-run first-innings lead against Baroda.
Baroda consolidated their overall lead as they reached 43/1 in their second innings, after Debabrata Pradhan struck early with the wicket of Kinit Patel.
The second day started encouragingly for Odisha as Suryakant Pradhan sent back Atit Sheth (57) in the fourth over to terminate a dangerous 117-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Wicketkeeper Mitesh Patel (116) went on to complete a maiden first-class century before medium-pacer ran through the tail to end Baroda’s innings at 351.
Odisha struggled against Baroda medium-pacers, spearheaded by Sheth (3/50), and slumped to 42/4.
Skipper Shantanu Mishra (45) and experienced middle-order batter Govinda Poddar (68) tried to repair the damage by stitching a 65-run partnership.
Another mini collapse saw Odisha being reduced to 110/7 before Poddar found an ally in Suryakant (27) and the duo took the score to 167. Once Poddar was sent back, Odisha were quickly all out for 178.
With two days left in the Elite Group D fixture, Odisha face an uphill battle to avoid defeat.
Brief scores
Madhya Pradesh 351 (Mitesh Patel 116, Atit Sheth 57; Rajesh Mohanty 4/74, Suryakant Pradhan 2/86) and 43/1 (Debabrata Pradhan 1/5).
Odisha 178 all out (Govinda Poddar 68, Shantanu Mishra 45; Atit Sheth 3/50, Ninad Rathva 2/21, Bhargav Bhatt 2/28).
Match to continue on Day 3.
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