Pagnis scores another century

Amit Pagnis, first-innings centurion for Railways in their Ranji tie against Rajasthan in Delhi, scored another hundred in their second innings, enabling his captain Abhay Sharma to effect a declaration and giving his side a good chance at a second successive outright victory.

Rajasthan's innings ended without further fuss, closing at 175. Railways, however, made a bad start, losing both openers for 13. Pagnis and in-form Yere Goud then put up a 136-run partnership, repeating their fine collaborative effort from the first innings. Goud made a steady 59 before he was caught and bowled by opposing captain Pudiyangum Krishnakumar. Pagnis found more support from Sayed Raza Ali, who scored a blistering 47 off just 45 balls. When Railways declared, Pagnis was unbeaten on 133.

Facing a Himalayan target of 393 runs, Rajasthan look unlikely to win this game; indeed, given their first innings collapse and Murali Kartik's fine form, one would not be blamed for predicting an outright win for Railways.

The Madhya Pradesh - Uttar Pradesh match at Indore was more keenly contested; Uttar Pradesh, overnight on 164/5, were bowled out for 238. Rizwan Shamshad completed a stolid half-century, ensuring that his side's total was substantial; for Madhya Pradesh, Yogesh Golwalkar picked up four wickets.

Madhya Pradesh, thus, started their second innings looking to build on their lead and set their rivals a steep total. Former Indian one-day bat Amay Khurasiya top-scored for his side, hitting 54 off 96 balls. None of the other batsmen, however, could come up with substantial contributions and Madhya Pradesh ended Day Three on 185/6, 262 runs ahead of Uttar Pradesh.