Assam in race for knock-outs after getting 3 vs Maharashtra

Pune: Pacer Krishna Das scalped 6/73 as Assam got three vital points by virtue of 102-run first innings lead against Maharashtra in a group A encounter here today, keeping alive hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy.

Riding on Krishna's efforts, Maharashtra were bowled out for 196 in their first innings in reply to Assam's 298.

Assam with 25 points are second in the points table behind Delhi, who have completed their league engagements and above Bengal by virtue of more outright wins.

Krishna's wickets tally for the current season has gone upto 42 and he is third in the list behind off-spinners Akshay Wakhare of Vidarbha (45 wickets) and Jalaj Saxena of MP (44 wickets).

Once Maharashtra lost last three wickets for one run, Assam were ensured of three points. Although the eastern state were bowled out of 135 in their second essay, Maharashtra simply did not have enough time to force an outright win achieving a target of 238 in 22 overs.

The match was called off when Maharashtra were 82 for three.

Brief Scores: Assam 298 & 135 all out in 48.2 overs (Rahul Hazarika 31, Anupam Sanklecha 3/42)

Maharashtra 196 in 69 overs (Rahul Tripathi 52, Krishna Das 6/73) & (target 238 in 22 overs) 82/3 (Sangram Atitkar 40 no). Points: Assam 3; Maharashtra 1.