An exciting third day looms in Rajasthan-Services Ranji match

New Delhi: Rajasthan bowled out Services for 325 and then gave a strong reply by reaching 131 for two on day of their Ranji Trophy Group B match, here on Friday.

Saurashtra batsman Rajal Paliwal, who resumed at 71, completed his century and remained unbeaten on 108 as his side added 50 more runs to their overnight total. Paceman Pankaj Singh completed a five-wicket haul as he added wickets of Suraj Yadav and Shadab Nazar. Paliwal lost his overnight partner in the sixth over the day when Pankaj had the batsman caught behind but he kept his nerves and scored 31 runs of the 50 that his side managed before being bowled out. Siddharth Saraf (52) and Vineet Saxena (42) then provided Rajasthan a solid start with a 96-run opening wicket stand. Off-spinner Koteshwar Rao broke the stand by cleaning up Saraf and the visitors had added just six more runs that Shadab Nazar removed Saxena also. Saraf`s knock came off 172 balls and hit seven boundaries while Saxena`s patient came off 141 balls with four shots to the fence. Robin Bisht (16) and Rajesh Bishnoi (16) will resume their innings tomorrow and they have a big role to play if Rajasthan are to take first innings lead. Brief Scores: Services 1st innings: 325 all out in 105.2 overs (Rajat Paliwal 108 not out, Pratik Desai 65; Pankaj Singh 5/98) Services: 131 for two in 72 overs (Siddharth Saraf 52, Vineet Saxena 42; K Rao 1/18).