Ranji Trophy: Debutant Anil Parida Stranded On 99* As Odisha Set Services Challenging Target

Cuttack: Ranji Trophy debutant Anil Parida was left stranded on 99 as Odisha were all out for 394 in the second innings of their clash against Services on the third day here at DRIEMS ground.

Set a challenging victory target of 376, Services went to stumps on Saturday at 46 for no loss, setting up an intriguing final day when the visitors will have to make 330 runs while Odisha need 10 wickets for an outright victory.

The third day belonged to Odisha batters, especially Parida. Playing his maiden first-class match, the 24-year-old went into bat at No. 7 with Odisha on 215/5, the lead not even 200. The right-handed Parida showed that he belongs at this level, assisting Rajesh Dhuper (66) and Rajesh Mohanty (40) in useful partnerships for the sixth and seventh wicket, respectively.

Tailenders Sumit Sharma and Tapas Das tried their best to help Parida reach the magical 100-mark. However, Tapas was run out in an attempt to give Parida the strike. Parida;s 99 not out came off 159 balls, and included 8 fours and a six.

Brief Scores

Odisha first innings: 180

Services first innings: 199

Odisha second innings: 394 (Anil Parida 99 not out, Aashirwad Swain 77, Rajesh Dhuper 66, Rajesh Mohanty 40; Amit Shukla 3/60).

Services second innings: 46/0.

Match to continue on 4th and final day.