Haryana vs Odisha Ranji match ends in a draw

Bhubaneswar: The Group A Ranji Trophy match between Haryana and Odisha ended in a tame draw on the fifth and final day here on Thursday with the visitors saving themselves from relegation.

The visitors had already ensured themselves another season in the top tier of Ranji Trophy yesterday by securing a first-innings lead of 384, and with Jharkhand losing heavily to Punjab, the final day was a mere formality for both teams. Odisha, who began at 33 for no loss, were buoyed by a 120-run partnership for the second wicket between Govind Podder and Niranjan Behera, who scored 79 and 64 respectively. Odisha lost quick wickets following Niranjan`s dismissal in the 54th over, but the result of the game was never really in question. Joginder Sharma and Jayant Yadav picked up two wickets each, as Odisha ended on 228 for 6 in 97 overs. Odisha finished sixth in Group A with 12 points while Haryana ended at eighth in the nine-team table with 10 points. Both the teams have failed to make it to the quarterfinals. Brief Scores: Odisha: 242 and 228 for 6 in 97 overs (Govind Podder 79, Niranjan Behera 64). Haryana: 626 for 4 dec (Rahul Dewan 273, Sachin Rana 157, Nitin Saini 102 not out).