Cuttack: Odisha batters flattered to deceive in the second innings as they suffered a spectacular collapse to lose their Ranji Trophy match against Andhra Pradesh by an innings and 50 runs on Tuesday.
It was Odisha’s second defeat in three games – both, ironically, at Barabati Stadium, their home ground.
With a solitary point in the kitty, thanks to a draw with UP at Kanpur, Odisha languish in seventh place in the eight-team Elite Group A.
Having conceded a lead of 324 runs after being skittled out for 151 in the first innings, Odisha showed signs of improvement in their second essay as they ended Day 3 on 190/2.
However, within six overs on the final day, Odisha’s hopes started to fade as they lost the overnight pair of Gourav Choudhury and Govinda Poddar for the addition of 16 runs. Gourav could add just a single to his overnight tally of 79, while the experienced Poddar managed 13.
Skipper Subhranshu Senapati (16) and Rajesh Dhuper (38) batted together for 28 overs, but once their stubborn partnership was broken, Andhra bowlers scented blood.
Odisha lost their last 5 wickets for just 2 runs, sliding from 272/5 to 274 all out in less than 5 overs.
Left-arm spinner Saurabha Kumar was adjudged Player of the Match for a match haul of 6 wickets and his whirlwind 69-run knock off 38 balls, studded with 8 fours and 4 sixes.
BRIEF SCORES
Andhra Pradesh first innings: 475/7 declared
Odisha first innings: 151
Odisha second innings (following on): 274 (Gourav Choudhury 80, Rajesh Dhuper 38; Saurabh Kumar 3/47, T Vijay 3/89).
Result: Andhra beat Odisha by an innings and 50 runs.
Points: Andhra 7, Odisha 0.
Group A position: Andhra 3rd (9 pts from 3 games); Odisha 7th (1 point from 3).
Next match: Odisha vs Vidarbha from Nov 8 (Nagpur).
