Ranji Trophy: Rajasthan closes in on final
By IANSWednesday, January 5, 2011
NEW DELHI - Rajasthan strengthened their chances of making the Ranji Trophy final by declaring their first innings for a massive 552 for seven and then restricting Tamil Nadu to 190 for three at the end of the third and penultimate day of the semifinal at Jaipur Wedneday.
Resuming at 488 for three, Rajathan’s overnight batsmen, skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Ashok Maneria, went on to stroke centuries. Kanitkar carried on from his overnight 64 to remain unbeaten on 100 (192b, 13×4) while Maneria made 106 (189 b, 11×4, 2×6). This after veteran Akash Chopra gave hosts the right start, scoring 139 runs Tuesday.
In reply, Tamil Nadu lost three wickets, including that of skipper Dinesh Karthik, for 139 runs.
Experienced Subramaniam Badrinath was batting at 78 and Kuthethurshri Vasudevadas 22 when stumps were drawn, with Tamil Nadu needing to score 363 runs on the last day Thursday to take the first innings lead and a place in the final.
Baroda reached the final Tuesday by beating Karnataka by seven wickets.
