With the Ranji Trophy final coming smack in between two one-day international series at home, and the big stars on both sides indicating their availability and keenness to play, the excitement is reaching high intensity

Himachal Pradesh were within touching distance of the Plate Group title, shooting out Orissa for 202 for 8 in their second innings at Cuttack

Ajay Mannu and Mukesh Sharma struck valuable 80s as Himachal Pradesh gained the first-innings lead and moved closer to the Plate Group title at Cuttack

Himachal Pradesh began a steady reply to Orissa's total of 317, finishing at 157 for the loss of three wickets on the second day at Cuttack

Half centuries by Niranjan Behera and Rashmi Ranjan Das ended a satisfactory day for Orissa in the first day of the Ranji Trophy Plate final against Himachal Pradesh at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack

A summary of 5th day's play of the Ranji Plate Group semi-final between Himachal Pradesh and Railways

Round-up of 4th day's play of Ranji Plate Group semi-finals

Round-up of the third day of the Plate Group semi-finals in the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy

Round-up of the second day of the Plate Group semi-finals in the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy