Shillong, Oct 28: Meghalaya are on 157/8 in their second innings, leading by 72, but have done enough to at least ask the question and force Maharashtra to bat a second time in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match in Aurangabad when play enters the fourth and final day on Tuesday.

Meghalaya were 50/5 at one point on Monday but a lower order fight back saw them halt the damage, which was largely caused by Maharashtra’s MG Choudhary, who claimed all three opening wickets for just 21 on the scoreboard.

First innings centurion Anirudh B tried to be the anchor once again for Meghalaya but the guest professional was dismissed this time for 36. Akash Kumar Choudhary, Meghalaya’s most successful bowler this match, contributed 26 to the cause coming in at No. 8 but, unfortunately for the team, was out in the last few minutes before stumps.

He had put on 73 with Anirudh for the sixth wicket to help Meghalaya overcome the 85-run first innings lead that Maharashtra held.

At the crease when play ended were guest professional Sumit Kumar on 24 not out and Aryan Borah, who has yet to get off the mark.

Earlier, the hosts resumed their first innings on 263/5 and added another 98 runs before being bowled out for 361 in response to Meghalaya’s first innings total of 276.

Harshal Kate, who was overnight on 117, scored just 11 more runs before being bowled by Akash for 128. That was Aakash’s only wicket on Monday but, added to his three from Sunday, he finished with figures of 4/76 in 28 overs.

MS Bhandari was the chief thorn in Meghalaya’s side and he made 73 before being dismissed by Dippu Sangma (1/74 in 20 overs). The other wicket-takers on Monday were guest professional Ajay Duhan (2/34 in 14.2) and Chengkam Sangma (1/86 in 19).

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