AGENICES, CUTTACK: A 160-run seventh wicket stand between Samar Dubhashi (97) and Shadab Jakati (92) helped Goa put up 270 in their first innings and gain a 72-run lead over Chhattisgarh after they were reduced to 70 for 6 on the second day.
The pair had already added 57 when the day began, with Goa on 127 for 6 in reply to Chhattisgarh’s 198. They batted out the first session without being separated to give their team the lead. Jakati, the dominant partner, hit nine fours and two sixes in his 92 before falling to the part-time offspin of Sahil Gupta. Wicketkeeper Dubhashi played a more sedate 97 off 283 balls and was the last batsman out, three short of his maiden century, when he was bowled by Pankaj Rao (4 for 95).
In reply, Chhattisgarh were off to a poor start losing as many as 2 wickets in a matter of six deliveries. Abhishek Singh departed for zero facing just 10 balls. Amandeep Khare went in the very next over to Rituraj Singh. Sahil and skipper Kaif held fort for Chhattisgarh. The pair structured a 88-run stand. Sahil remained not-out on 50* and Kaif not-out on 38 runs.
Brief scores:
Chhattisgarh 198 (A Khare 60, A Singh 55; RR Singh 6 for 60, Saurabh Bandekar 2 for 44) & 95 for 2 (S Gupta 50*, M Kaif 38*; S Bandekar 1 for 14) lead Goa 270 (Samar Dubhashi 97, Shadab Jakati 92; Pankaj Rao 4 for 95) by 23 runs.
