Shillong, Jan 25: Brilliant batting displays by Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva and guest professional Sumit Kumar helped Meghalaya extend their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group A match against Odisha into a decisive fourth day at the MCA Ground.

Jaskirat remained unbeaten on 53 off 109 balls (6 fours) while Wanlambok Nongkhlaw was not out on 19 from 49 deliveries at stumps on Saturday. Sumit played a vital innings of 51 off 114 balls (6 fours) before being dismissed an hour before close. Meghalaya ended the day at 221/6 in their second innings, still trailing by 129 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

Earlier in the day, Odisha resumed their first innings at 523/7. They added 25 runs in 3.2 overs before declaring at 548/7, allowing Rajesh Dhuper to reach his unbeaten century (102 off 95 balls). Odisha’s declaration left Meghalaya facing a daunting first-innings deficit of 350 runs, having been dismissed for 198 on the opening day.

Meghalaya’s second innings began poorly, with three of their top-order batters back in the pavilion at 31. A 51-run partnership between Nishanta Chakraborty (38 off 68, 5 fours) and guest professional Anirudh B (20 off 29, 2 fours) stabilized the innings briefly before both fell to Odisha pacer Sunil Kumar Roul, who finished with impressive figures of 3/48.

Despite Odisha’s momentum, Jaskirat and Sumit mounted a determined resistance, adding 89 runs for the sixth wicket. The duo, who also contributed in the first innings with scores of 43 and 40 respectively, frustrated the Odisha bowlers. Sumit’s dismissal, however, came when he attempted to hook a short ball, only to top-edge it for wicketkeeper Aashirwad Swain to complete a brilliant diving catch near fine leg.

Odisha remain firm favorites to secure victory but will need to overcome the resilience of Jaskirat, Wanlambok, and the Meghalaya tail on the final day. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion on Sunday.

Read: Historic Day for Garo Hills: U-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy cricket match gets underway in Tura

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