Ranji Trophy 2013-14: Natraj Behera leads Odisha’s reply against Gujarat

Venugopal Rao scored a century as Gujarat declared at 479 for eight.

Motera: Dec 23, 2013

Venugopal Rao scored a century as Gujarat declared at 479 for eight before Odisha reached 111 for one at stumps on day two of their Ranji Trophy Group ‘A’ match.

Resuming on 287 for three, overnight batsman Rao, starting on 68, went on to score a 277-ball 177 laced with 22 fours and two sixes to put the hosts in a strong position.

The other overnight batsman — centurion Parthiv Patel — however failed to add any run to his last night’s score of 109.

Rao played a responsible innings and also put on a solid 93-run stand for the seventh wicket with Jesal Karia, who chipped in with crucial 39 runs.

Rao’s dismissal prompted Gujarat to declare at 479.

For Odisha, Jayanta Behera took three for 111.

Odisha began well with Girija Rout (39) putting on 111 with Natraj Behera for the opening wicket before falling lbw to Jasprit Bumrah off the last ball of the day.

Odisha still trail Gujarat by 368 runs with nine wickets in hand.

At stumps, Natraj was batting on 64 and he remains on course for his fourth century in as many innings.

Brief scores:

Gujarat 479 for 8 decl. (Parthiv Patel 109, Venugopal Rao 177; Jayanta Behera 3 for 111) lead Odisha  111 for 1  (Natraj Behera 64*) by 368 runs.