Ranji Trophy: Tripura forced to follow on against Himachal

Agartala: Brilliant bowling by Rishi Dhawan (7/93) negated Bishal Ghosh's century as Tripura failed to avoid the follow-on, getting all out for 346 in their first innings in reply to Himachal Pradesh's 535 for five declared, on the third and penultimate day of their Ranji Trophy Group C cricket match here on Saturday.

At the close of play, Tripura were 20 for two in their second innings with Ghosh unbeaten on nine and Samrat Singha on six.

The hosts still trail Himachal by 169 runs with 10 wickets in hand.

Starting the day on 143 for two, Tripura's overnight batsmen -- Ghosh, who resumed on 81 and Rakesh Solanki, on 42, went on to complete their century and half-century, respectively.

Thereafter Kaushal Acharjee (28), Manisankar Murasingh (37) and Rana Dutta (43 not out) also chipped in with important runs, but they could not avoid the follow-on.

While Dhawan was the pick of the bowlers, Bipul Sharma (2/30) claimed two wickets.

Himachal Pradesh: 535 for five decl.

Tripura: 346 all out in 112.3 overs (Bishal Ghosh 100, Rakesh Solanki 58, Rana Dutta 43 not out; Rishi Dhawan 7/93) & 20 for no loss in 17 overs.