Orissa in a position to call the shots

A strong rearguard action by Assam failed to prevent Orissa from taking a first innings lead of 119 runs on the third day of their East Zone Ranji Trophy league match at the Angul stadium in Orissa on Wednesday.

Resuming at 117 for three in reply to Orissa's 425, Assam ran into trouble against S Satpathy and were tottering at 134 for seven. Then commenced the splendid fightback. First R Borah and VR Samant (20) added 51 runs for the eighth wicket off 12.4 overs. But the Assam batting really gained impetus during the ninth wicket association of 118 runs off 26.3 overs between Borah and GD Dutta. Borah finally fell to Satpathy for 82 compiled off 95 balls and inclusive of 13 fours and a six. Dutta remained unbeaten with 55. He faced 107 balls and hit nine fours and a six. Assam were finally all out for 306 with Satpathy finishing with six for 86 off 35 overs.

In the remaining time, Orissa in their second innings hit up 118 for one. SS Das was bowled by O Singh for 71 off the last ball of the day. He faced 94 balls and hit five of them to the ropes. P Mahapatra, content to play second fiddle, was unbeaten with 41 at close. He faced 100 balls and hit three fours. With an overall lead of 237 runs and nine wickets in hand, Orissa are in a position to call the shots on the final day.