Ranji Trophy: Odisha Face Uphill Task Against Rajasthan

Bhubaneswar: Odisha were in dire straits as they struggled in their second innings against Rajasthan on the second day of the four-day Ranji Trophy match at Vikash Cricket Ground here on Saturday.

Resuming their overnight score at 78-4 in their first innings, Odisha were bundled out for 111. Barring Debasish Samantray who made a patient half-century and Abhishek Raut (24), eight batsmen failed to reach the double figure.

For Rajasthan, A.V. Chaudhary and T.M. Haq bagged five wickets each.

With the first innings lead of 24 over Odisha, the visitors were in trouble right from the start as wickets fell at regular intervals. Despite the half century by A.V. Gautam (51) and S.F. Khan (39), the remaining batsmen could not stay for long as the visitors were all out for 148.

Chasing 173 for victory, Odisha lost the wicket of Ranjit Singh (1) and Roshan Rao (0). At close, Shantanu Mishra (4) and Debasis Samantray (1) were at the crease with the score at 6 for 2.

With the pitch favouring the bowlers, it will be an uphill task for Odisha to chase the victory target tomorrow
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Brief score: Rajasthan 135 (1^st innings) and 148 (2^nd innings), Odisha 111 (1^st innings) and 6 for 2 (2^nd innings).