Bhubaneswar: The 24-year-old Odisha’s opener Swastik Samal with his maiden ton guided the team to script a 38 runs first innings lead against the visitors Maharashtra in the Round-5 Ranji Trophy Elite-A group match at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on Thursday.
In reply to Maharashtra’s first innings score of 162 runs, Odisha started their day two with the overnight score of 99 for 1, added only 101 runs and bowled out for 200 runs. Thanks to Swastik Samal who scored his personal best of 118 runs, in the process along with Sandeep Patnaik (41) stitched 83 runs for the first wicket, which was the highest partnership in the Odisha’s innings.
In the second innings Maharashtra scored 78 for 3 at day two stumps. Earlier in the opening day on Wednesday, Odisha spinner Sumit Sharma and Govinda Poddar created havoc by pocketing four and three wickets respectively and restricted Maharashtra innings for 162 runs.
After scripting a 38 runs first innings lead Odisha looked forward to earn three points from the home match.
Brief Score: Maharashtra 1st innings 162/10 in 54 overs (Ramakrushna Ghosh 80, Ankit Bawne 34; Sumit Sharma 4/39, Govinda Poddar 3/10) and 78/3 in 27 overs (Sachin Dhas 38; Tarani Sa 2/27) Vs Odisha 200/10 in 82.2 overs (Swastik Samal 118, Sandeep Patnaik 41; Rajneesh Gurbani 3/38, Ramakrishna Ghose 3/50) at Day two stump.
