Himachal smell victory in Ranji Plate final against Orissa

Cuttack, Jan 31 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh tailenders took their side to a position of strength against Orissa as the visitors extended their first innings lead to 160 runs before being bowled out for 477 in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group final at Barabati stadium here today.

Orissa were struggling in their second essay at 202 for eight at close of play on the fourth day. Wicket-keeper Haldhar Das and Sourav Sehgal were at the crease on 47 and one respectively and much would depend on the duo tomorrow as to what target the hosts set for Himachal to go for a win.

Earlier, resuming at their overnight score of 405 for 8, Himachal tail wagged much to the frustation of a weak Orissa bowling attack.

Sarandeep Singh and Ashok Thakur sent the Orissa bowlers on a leather hunt. Both completed their half-centuries before Singh was dismissed by Sukanta Khatua for 50 and Thakur trapped leg before wicket by Sanjay Satpathy for a well made 70.

Trailing by 160 runs, Orissa struggled in their second innings losing wickets at regular intervals.

Opener Bikash Swarup Pati could manage only 13 while Shiv Sunder Das scored 31. Niranjan Behera and R R Das fell cheaply before Pravanjan Mullick and Haldhar Das stiched a partnership.

But Mullick fell for 30 triggering another collapse and at the draw of stumps, Orissa were batting for survival at 202 for 8.

For Himachal, Vikramjit Malik, Vishal Bhatia and Sandeep Sharma claimed two wickets each while Ashok Thakur took one.

Brief Score: Orissa 1st innings: 317 all out Himachal Pradesh 1st Innings: 477 all out (Sandeep Sharma 76, Ajay Manu 82, Mukesh Sharma 84, Ashok Thakur 70, Sarandeep 50, Sanjay Satpathy 3 for 129) Orissa 2nd Innings: 202 for 8 (Haldhar Das 47 not out, Vikramjeet 2 for 56, Vishal Bhatia 2 for 48, Sandeep Sharma 2 for 20).

UNI