Bhubaneswar: Debasish Samantray (102, 259b, 13×4) scored Wednesday a match-saving century, justifying his promotion in batting order, to help Odisha salvage a point in their Elite Group C encounter of Ranji Trophy against Services at Palam, New Delhi.
Anurag Sarangi (46 n o, 144b, 3×4, 1×6), who was demoted to middle order, ensured that Debasish’s efforts would not go in vain. Odisha had reached 256/5 before the two captains decided to settle the match for a draw.
With an overnight score of 65/1 and still trailing by 175 runs to Services’ first innings lead, Odisha were far away from a possible win, but the major concern was to avoid a defeat with a full day’s play remaining.
However, Debasish gave Odisha hope of a survival. He lost his overnight partner Subhranshu Senapati (12) in the morning session before a dodgy partnership of 48 runs for the third wicket with Govind Poddar (23, 101b, 3×4) set a tone for Odisha’s survival.
The runs, batsmen scored, didn’t bother the team at all as the balls they faced was important at the moment. Govind 101 balls before getting out. After Govind’s departure, Debasish forged a superb 78-run stand for the fourth wicket with Anurag, who remained unbeaten, before the former’s dismissal of an Arun Bamal (2/58) delivery.
Skipper Biplab Samantray (3) couldn’t do much as he also departed shortly, but it was too late for Services to fight for a win. Anurag and Abhishek Raut (20 n o, 22b, 2×4, 1×6) ensured Odisha finish the match with at least a point.
Brief scores: Odisha 177 & 256/5 (Debasish Samantray 102, Anurag Sarangi 46 n o; Arun Bamal 2/58); Services 417/8 decl. Match drawn.