Ranji Trophy: Can First-Match Heroes Shantanu Mishra, Rajesh Dhuper Save Odisha?

Ahmedabad: Saurashtra pushed Odisha to the brink in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D encounter at Narendra Modi Stadium’s Ground B on Saturday.

Replying to massive first-innings total of 501, Odisha were asked to follow on after being bowled out for 165. In their second innings, Odisha hobbled to 101 for 4 at stumps on the third day.

Odisha, who need 235 more runs to avoid an innings defeat, will have to bat the entire fourth day to salvage a draw. They will bank on opening-match heroes Shantanu Mishra and wicketkeeper-batsman Rajesh Dhuper.

Opener Shantanu, who scored a match-saving century against Goa six days ago, once again held firm as wickets fell around him. The 27-year-old Bhubaneswar lad negotiated a strong Saurashtra attack to be unbeaten on 53 at close.

Keeping him company was Dhuper, who hit half-centuries in both innings against Goa to named Man of the Match.

Anurag Sarangi (7) and Debasish Samantray (9) failed to reach double figures, while Subhranshu Senapati’s promising knock was cut short at 25.

Odisha resumed their first innings at 52 for 3 this morning and managed to put up 165. They looked to headed for a sub-100 total when they were reduced to 78 for 6. But a 66-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Dhuper (51) and Abhishek Raut (29) helped them attain some respectability.

It was Dhuper’s third straight 50-plus score this season and he will look to continue in the same vein on Sunday.

Scores: Saurashtra 501. Odisha 165 and (following on) 101/4.

Match to continue.