Cuttack: Ranji Trophy Elite Group D encounter at Barabati Stadium, Odisha came tantalizingly close to securing an outright victory against Pondicherry, only to settle for a draw as time ran out on the final day.
Setting Pondicherry a target of 240 runs, Odisha’s bowlers put up a valiant effort, reducing the visitors to 175/8 before the clock ran down.
The draw earned Odisha 3 points, courtesy of their first-innings lead, taking their tally to 12 points from five games. Currently positioned fifth, Odisha will need maximum points from their remaining two matches to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the knockout stage.
Odisha’s second innings saw them being bundled out for 201, with Govinda Poddar top-scoring with 46 runs. Sagar Udeshi and Gaurav Yadav starred for Pondicherry, claiming 4/45 and 3/48 respectively.
In the chase, Odisha’s pacers Rajesh Mohanty and Sunil Roul provided an early breakthrough, reducing Pondicherry to 0 for 2. However, a resilient 55-run partnership ensued before Roul struck again. Paras Ratnaparkhe (72) and Arun Karthik (58 not out) then put up strong resistance, frustrating Odisha’s bowlers.
Despite the efforts of Biplab Samantaray and Rajesh Mohanty, who claimed two wickets each, and a crucial breakthrough by Harshit Rathod, Pondicherry’s skipper Karthik held firm, denying Odisha the much-needed victory.
The match concluded with Pondicherry at 175/8, resulting in a drawn encounter.
Brief Scores:
Odisha: 322 & 201 (Govinda Poddar 46; Sagar Udeshi 4/45, Gaurav Yadav 3/48).
Pondicherry: 284 & 175/8 (Paras Ratnaparkhe 72, Arun Karthik 58 not out; Biplab Samantaray 2/28, Rajesh Mohanty 2/41).
Result: Match drawn.
Points: Odisha 3, Pondicherry 1.
Standings: Odisha – 12 points in 5 matches (5th), Pondicherry – 13 points in 5 matches (3rd).
Odisha’s next match: Vs Uttarakhand (from Feb 9 at Cuttack).
