Nataraj awarded Rs one lakh for scoring double ton

Cuttack: Orissa opener Nataraj Behera was awarded a cash prize of Rs one lakh for scoring a double ton in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Saurashtra at the Barabati stadium.

"Nataraj Behera has been awarded a cash prize of Rs one lakh for his brilliant double century against Saurashtra", Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Asirbad Behera said. "I am happy after scoring the double ton. I am looking forward towards repeating the feat in the coming matches as well", a beaming Nataraj said. Hosts Orissa and Saurashtra failed to get any point from their opening Ranji Trophy tie which ended in a draw today. Meanwhile, Nataraj joined a select club of six Orissa cricketers who had earlier scored a double ton or more in the first class match. The six cricketers are: Shiv Sunder Das, Sanjay Raul, Ranjib Biswal, Rashmi Ranjan Parida and Asjit Jayaprakash. PTI