Defeat looming large: Orissa batsmen fail again

Post News network

Bolangir, Jan 22: After the Delhi debacle it was time for ‘Rout in Bolangir’ as the Orissa batsmen once more failed miserably to stare at their second successive defeat in a row. After Rajasthan finished their first innings on 305, the visitors, led by India bowler Pankaj Singh, reduced the hosts to 144 for nine at stumps on the second day of the Group B Ranji Trophy tie here Thursday at the Gandhi Stadium.

The pace duo of Pankaj (4/51) and Deepak Chahar (3/30) bowled well in tandem to dominate the Orissa batsmen. The wicket definitely helped them, but they were also aided by the lack of application from the host batsmen who tried to play too many shots early on in their innings. Except for Anurag Sarangi (47, 111b, 8×4), none of the others were ready to grind it out in the middle with the result that Orissa are now looking at a huge first innings deficit.

Earlier Rajasthan were boosted by a 59-run stand for the ninth wicket between Pankaj (27) and Chahar (57 n o, 55b, 3×4, 6×6). The two rescued Rajasthan after Orissa had made early inroads to have the visitors tottering at 229 for eight. It was due to their efforts that Rajasthan crossed the 300-run mark.

Resuming at their overnight score of 191 for five, the visitors lost Chetan Bist who failed to add to his tally of 51. Vineet Saxena, 87 when play resumed duly completed his 15^th first class century (106, 283b, 13×4), but was then bowled by Basant Mohanty (4/68).

Brief scores: Rajasthan 305 (Vineet Saxena 106, Basant Mohanty 4/68), Orissa 144 for 9 (Anurag Sarangi 47, Pankaj Singh 4/51, Deepak Chahar 3/30). Match to continue.