Sridharan Sharath puts Tamil Nadu on course for victory

An unbeaten century from Sridharan Sharath saw Tamil Nadu declare at 396/5 on Day Three of their Ranji Trophy league match at Chennai on Monday.

Sharath, resuming from his overnight score of 12, lost his partner, skipper Robin Singh, but then found able support in TR Arasu (55*). Batting with his usual elan, Sharath made 141 off 252 balls, with 18 fours and a six. The pair put on 190 runs for the sixth wicket.

Hoping to force an outright victory, Tamil Nadu declared and then had Goa reeling at 92/4 by the close of play. L Balaji took four wickets for 36 runs, and only first-innings hero Kiran Powar was able to stave off the bowling onslaught.

Needing 66 runs just to avoid an innings defeat, Goa will be hardpressed to ensure a draw, let alone an outright win in their first Ranji tie of the season.