Cuttack, Feb 2: In a remarkable display of batting, openers Shubham Rohilla and Suraj Vashisht secured an astounding 209 not out and 154 not out, respectively, enabling Services to achieve the second highest successful run-chase in Ranji Trophy history by chasing down a daunting 376-run target against Odisha without losing a wicket during their Group A match on Sunday.
This remarkable achievement ranks only behind Railways’ successful 378-run chase against Tripura in Agartala last year.
The duo’s unbroken 376-run partnership is celebrated as the second highest in successful fourth-innings run chases in First-Class cricket history.
Odisha had set the challenging target after scoring 394 in their second innings, with Anil Parida remaining unbeaten on 99.
In their first innings, Odisha had been dismissed for 180, while Services managed a small lead with a total of 199 in their first innings, primarily due to Ravi Chauhan’s impressive 120 runs.
Ultimately, Vashisht and Rohilla showcased an incredible performance on the final day of the match to secure victory.
Resuming the day on an overnight score of 46 without loss, Vashisht and Rohilla approached the task methodically, finishing the chase in just 85.4 overs with a scoring rate exceeding four runs per over.
Rohilla hit 30 boundaries during his double century, facing a total of 270 balls, while Vashisht contributed with 15 fours and a six in his 246-ball innings, as Odisha’s bowlers struggled throughout the day without success.
With this win, Services garnered 10 points, including a bonus, by winning the match by 10 wickets.
J&K Dominates Baroda in Vadodara
In an impressive performance, Jammu and Kashmir defeated Baroda by 182 runs, securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the prestigious domestic tournament.
This victory ensured that J&K topped their group.
Setting Baroda a target of 365 runs, J&K’s off-break bowler Sahil Lotra delivered a career-best performance, taking 7 wickets for 75 runs as Baroda were bowled out for 182 in 54.5 overs.
Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq complemented Lotra with figures of 3/71, also claiming the final wicket of Baroda’s number 11, Akash Singh, to clinch a memorable victory for J&K.
Baroda had previously been dismissed for 166 in their first innings and started the final day at 58 for two.
Meanwhile, the match between Maharashtra and Tripura in Solapur concluded in a draw as Tripura ended their second innings at 310 for five. The captains mutually agreed to end the match at that point.
Maharashtra earned three points due to their first-innings lead, while Tripura received one. (Agencies)
