Bangar double-ton puts Railways in a near-impregnable position

A Sanjay Bangar double-century has effectively scuttled Tamil Nadu's chances of making it to the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy. The India all-rounder moved on from 78 not out to 211 not out as Railways reached 419 for nine in reply to Tamil Nadu's modest 276 at stumps on day three.

Bangar's 610-minute vigil, which began along with the Railways reply, has seen him hit 19 fours and three sixes during the course of a 479-ball knock. Bangar's 157-run eighth wicket stand with Murali Kartik was what turned the match in Railways' favour. Railways were 237 for 7 when the two got together and needed another 39 runs to overhaul the Tamil Nadu first innings score. Kartik during the course of his patient 58 provided Bangar the ideal company to ensure that the Railway men did just that before shooting ahead.

With two days left, Railways now are sitting pretty with a massive 143-run lead. Tamil Nadu have the near-impossible task of wiping out the first-innings deficit before setting a target and bowling out the Railway men for a paltry score in their second essay.