Bhubaneswar: Odisha nosedived after a promising 79-run opening stand to be bowled out for 194 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match against Services at the KIIT Stadium here on Monday.
Gaurav Choudhuri once again top-scored with 41, and his opening partner Swastik Samal made 39. But thereafter, it was a sorry tale of low scores, except for some stubborn resistance by Anil Parida (36 off 100 balls).
Off-spinner Pulkit Narang bagged a career-best 6/47 as Odisha were all out in 82.3 overs after being asked to bat first. Services were 13 for no loss in five overs at stumps.
Playing their first game of the season at home, Odisha desperately need a decent result after having been badly beaten in their first two matches.
BRIEF SCORES
Odisha first innings: 194 (Gaurav Choudhuri 41, Swastik Samal 39, Anil Parida 36; Pulkit Narang 6/47)
Services first innings: 13/0.
Match to continue on Day 2.
