Odisha opener Shantanu Mishra (200 n o, 405b, 21x4) played a marathon knock and scored an unbeaten double century to help Odisha get the first innings lead and gain important three points against lower-ranked Nagaland in an Elite Group A match of the Ranji Trophy at DRIEMS ground in Cuttack on Friday.
In reply to Nagaland’s first innings score of 433, Odisha declared on 535 for eight thanks to the scintillating unbeaten double century by Shantanu.
Shantanu had effective partnerships with Anurag Sarangi (84, 140b, 16x4), skipper Subhranshu Senapati (67, 78b, 5x4) and Prayash Singh ( 104,141b, 15x4, 1x6).
The right-handed batter played the role of a sheet anchor by showing a cool head on his shoulder. He showed a lot of maturity and patience. In the process, he ensured three important points for the hosts.
Akash Singh (4/73) was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors. Rongsen Jonathan also scalped three wickets.
In their second innings, Nagaland were 120 for one at stumps of the fourth and the final day. While Yugandhar Singh (53 no, 97b, 7x4, 2x6) was unbeaten, Joshua Ozukum (56, 86b, 8x4) got leg before wicket by a penetrating delivery of Jayanta Behera (1/34).
Brief scores: Nagaland 433/10 (Chetan Bist 129; Tarani Sa 3/86, Suryakant Pradhan 3/89) and 120/1 (Joshua Ozukum 56, Yugandhar Singh 53 no; Jayanta Behera 1/34) vs Odisha 535/8 DCL (Shantanu Mishra 200 no, Prayash Singh 104; Akash Singh 4/73). Match Drawn.