CK Nayudu Trophy: Rajasthan take 42-run lead against Odisha on Day 3
Jaipur: Rajasthan tightened their grip on the Col C K Nayudu Trophy (U23) clash against Odisha, taking a 42-run lead by stumps on Day 3 at the K L Saini Stadium, here on Sunday.
Rajasthan moved to 33 for 3 in 11 overs in their second innings at the close of play. Soumya Ranjan Lenka struck twice in a probing five-over spell, returning figures of 2 for 15, while Ashutosh Chhuria chipped in with 1 for 4 to keep Odisha in the hunt despite the deficit.
Earlier in the day, Odisha were bowled out for 346 in reply to Rajasthan’s 355. Sujal K Singh brought up a fine century, scoring 100 off 162 balls with 14 boundaries and a six, anchoring the innings with confidence. Shreyansh Bhardwaj followed up his overnight knock with a solid 77 off 131 deliveries, hitting 14 fours, as Odisha fought hard to narrow the gap.
For Rajasthan, Ganesh Suthar was impressive with figures of 3 for 57 in 27.5 overs, while Deependra Singh matched him with 3 for 67 in 28 overs. Despite the resistance from Odisha’s middle order, the visitors fell nine runs short of Rajasthan’s first-innings total, allowing the hosts to regain control heading into the final day.
Day 2: Odisha fight back but trail by 208 runs
Odisha faced an uphill task at the end of Day 2, trailing by 208 runs. After bowling Rajasthan out for 355 in 129 overs, Odisha closed at 147 for 2 in 46 overs. Shreyansh Bhardwaj remained unbeaten on 72 off 125 balls, striking 13 boundaries, while Om T Munde made a patient 70 from 143 deliveries, including nine fours. The duo ensured stability after early setbacks.
Ganesh Suthar bowled a disciplined spell of 1 for 13 in 10 overs, including four maidens, and Deependra Singh picked up 1 for 26 in 10 overs.
Earlier, Rajasthan had extended their overnight score to 355 all out. Rajat Baghel Baghel top-scored with 74 off 141 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six, while A G Chouhan added 71 from 159 deliveries. Badal Biswal stood out for Odisha with a marathon spell of 7 for 97 in 43 overs, with Md Sohail Khan claiming 1 for 40 in 18 overs.
Day 1: Rajasthan build solid foundation
On the opening day, Rajasthan ended at 270 for 6 after Odisha won the toss and chose to field.
Rajat Baghel Baghel led the batting with a composed 74 off 141 balls, and Sumit Godara contributed 70 from 100 deliveries, striking eight fours and two sixes.
Badal Biswal impressed with the ball, returning figures of 5 for 71 in 29 overs, while Saideep Mohapatra chipped in with 1 for 25 in seven overs to keep Odisha in contention.
