Jamshedpur: Solid knocks by opener Swastik Samal (79) and Govinda Poddar (64) helped Odisha post 242/6 on the opening day of their final Ranji Trophy Elite Group A fixture at Keenan Stadium on Thursday.
Opting to bat first after skipper Subhranshu Senapati won the toss, Odisha got off to a slow start and laboured to 38/2. Sandeep Pattnaik (7) and Senapati (10) were back in the hut well before lunch.
Samal and Poddar then put their heads down to stitch a 122-run partnership which raised visions of a big total. However, both batters were dismissed by impressive medium-pacer Saurabh Shekhar (3/34) within a span of four overs.
Run-machine Anil Parida fell for 15 and Sambit Baral managed 10 as Odisha plunged to 220/6.
Biplab Samantray’s cautious unbeaten 38 and young wicketkeeper (12*) prevented further damage.
Odisha, sitting in seventh place in their group with 7 points, are out of reckoning for a knockout berth. They are playing for pride and looking to end their campaign on a high note against high-flying Jharkhand (25 points), who have all but ensured progress.
BRIEF SCORES
Odisha first innings: 242/6 (Swastik Samal 79, Govinda Poddar 64; Saurabh Shekhar 3/34).
Jharkhand yet to bat
Match to continue on Day 2.
