Ranji Trophy: Orissa-UP match heading towards draw

Vadodara: Riding on Tanmany Srivastava`s superb century, Uttar Pradesh gave a strong reply to Orissa`s first innings total of 482 by scoring 287 for three on day three as their Ranji Trophy Elite Division match today headed towards a draw here.

Resuming at 54 for one, Uttar Pradesh batsmen gave a good show with Srivastava hitting 115 while Mohammad Kaif contributing a well-made 88 to give their side in the hunt for a first innings lead. At the draw of stumps, Prashant Gupta and Parvinder Singh were batting at 35 and 39 respectively. The highlight of the day was the 191-run stand between Srivastava and Kaif for the second wicket from 76.3 overs before the former was out to Basant Mohanty. Kaif followed Srivastava into the dressing room within an over but Prashant Gupta and Parvinder Singh ensured that Uttar Pradesh go into the fourth and final day without any further loss of wickets. The duo had already shared 73 runs for the unfinished fourth-wicket stand. Uttar Pradesh still trail by 195 runs with seven first innings wickets in hand. For Orissa, Basant Mohanty, Alok Mangaraj and Deepak Behera took a wicket apiece. Brief scores: Orissa 1st innings: 482 all out in 160.3 overs UP 1st innings: 287 for 3 in 111 overs (Tanmay Srivastava 115, Mohammad Kaif 88, Prashant Gupta 35 batting, Parvinder Singh 39). PTI