Maharashtra face uphill task to qualify

Maharashtra face uphill task to qualify

Pune: Maharashtra’s hopes to qualify for Ranji Trophy quarter-finals hung in balance as they had to settle for a timid draw with Railways on the last day at the MCA Stadium here on Sunday. Having failed to force an outright win, the home side had to be content with 3 points on the virtue of first innings lead, while Railways settled for an unfancied 1 point.

As a result, Maharashtra have been left to register outright wins in both their remaining league matches, away to Delhi (starting Nov 17) and at home to Assam (starting Nov 25) to have any chance of finishing in top 2 in group A, which would guarantee their passage to last 8.

Starting Day 4 still 150 adrift of Maharashtra’s total, Maharashtra bowlers skittled out the visitors remaining 5 wickets for just 51 runs, to take vital first innings lead of 100 on the final day. Railways had resumed on 330 for five, but lasted just 17.2 overs on the fourth morning, with no. 10 Amit Mishra scored 24 of those runs.

The home team started off their second innings with a clear intent to possibly put Railways under pressure with quick runs and a potential declaration after tea.

With the advantage of 100 runs and the pitch not showing any signs of wear and tear, Maharashtra openers were cautious in the 14 overs before lunch. Rahul Tripathi brought his aggressive game to the fore as the No. 3 batsman smashed 16 runs in one over, including a slog-swept six over midwicket to add to a cover drive and a straight drive. Maharashtra declared their second innings on 186 for 6 with Naushad Shaikh top-scoring with 40.

Set 287, Railways made 54 for the loss of Shivakant Shukla for 12. Maharashtra opted to give the new ball to Nikit Dhumal and newcomer Pradeep Dadhe. The duo seldom tested the Railways batters with their nagging line and length, however-that failed to yield them any luck in form of breakthroughs as both the captains shook the hands for a stalemate.

As a result, Railways are at third place with 14 points, followed by Maharashtra on 10 points. Maharashtra stumper Rohit Motwani was adjudged the man of the match for his knock of 189 in the first innings for the home side.

Maharashtra captain Ankeet Bawane was keen to take positives from the game despite failing to register a win against a direct competitor in the race to finish in top 2 in group A.

“ We played well in patches. Having lost the toss on a placid wicket, we did well to get to 481. In previous games, our batting had let us down, so I’m particularly happy with the way we applied ourselves. Motwani played a blinder and that should give him a lot of confidence going into the last two league matches,” the middle-order batsman said on the sidelines after the end of day’s play.

Brief Scores:
Maharashtra: 481 and 186/6d (Naushad Shaikh 40, Rahul Tripathi 30) drew with Railways 381 & 54/1 (Saurabh Wakaskar 23, target 287)
Maharashtra: 3 points; Railways: 1 point

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