Orissa claim honours after drawing with Bengal

After piling up a huge total, Orissa dismissed Bengal cheaply and took the first innings lead in their Vijay Merchant East Zone League clash at Cuttack. As the match was drawn, Orissa collected 5 points, Bengal 3, and the first innings lead proved crucial.

Earlier, Orissa won the toss and elected to bat first at the Barabati Stadium. Skipper SP Priyadarshan took a liking to the Bengal bowling and slammed 167 fine runs. Although he took 325 balls in his essay, the fact that he struck 19 boundaries must have entertained any spectators present at the ground. Not far behind the skipper was R Mohanty, who managed to help himself to 156. A shade quicker than Priyadarshan, Mohanty took 291 balls and struck 17 boundaries in his innings. The two put on 231 runs for the third wicket and took the game away from Bengal. After batting out 165 overs, Orissa decided that enough was enough. At 454/6 they declared their innings closed.

Bengal were in trouble immediately when they attempted to chase the Orissa total. Losing quick wickets, Orissa were reduced to 51/4 at the end of the second day. SK Jahangir returned the figures of 4-2-6-2 and there was little hope for Bengal. On the third and final day, the Orissa bowlers completed the rout, skittling out the Bengal side for 174 in 95.5 overs. The Bengal side were asked to follow on, and were 46 for no loss when the match ended in a draw.