Bhubaneswar: Odisha batters have often struggled in recent times in the Ranji Trophy. On Friday, however, they had a feast at Shillong’s Polo Ground.
Resuming at 70 without loss in reply to Meghalaya’s 198, Odisha batters amassed 453 runs in a single day to reach 523/7 at stumps on Day 2 of their Ranji Elite Group A fixture.
Govinda Poddar (121) led the charge with his 10th first-class century.
He was involved in two century partnerships – 140 runs for the third wicket with skipper Sandeep Pattanaik who made 78 and 102 for the fourth wicket with Kartik Biswal (68).
Opener Swastik Samal (80) and Rajesh Dhuper (unbeaten 80) also scored half-centuries, with the top seven batsmen all crossing 30s.
With two days remaining, Odisha will push for an innings victory. However, that may not be enough for Odisha to finish in the top two and ensure knockout qualification.
Brief Scores
Meghalaya 1st innings: 198
Odisha 1st innings: 523/7 (Govinda Poddar 121, Swastik Samal 80, Rajesh Dhuper batting 80, Sandeep Pattanaik 78, Kartik Biswal 68; Nafees Siddique 3/78).
Match to continue on Day 3.
