Parida's resistance in vain

Hosts Baroda dismissed Orissa for 280 runs and gained a first innings lead of 288 runs on the third day of the Ranji Trophy semi-final, in Baroda, on Saturday.

The hosts, who put up an imposing total of 568 in the first innings, instead of enforcing the follow-on, opted to bat again and were comfortably placed at 69 for the loss of one wicket, taking an overall lead of 357 runs at stumps.

Resuming at the overnight score of four for no loss, the Orissa batsmen found it difficult to cope with the Baroda attack. The only resistance came from one drop batsman Rashmi Ranjan Parida, who stood like a rock and defied the Baroda attack to score an authoritative 94. His knock included 17 fours off 144 balls, in 196 minutes.

He also partnered skipper Shiv Sunder Das to add 62 runs for the second wicket before Das made an exit after making 54 runs.

Later, Parida was also instrumental in a 44-run partnership for the fifth wicket with P Jaychandra.

However, the visitors' hopes of making a big score came to nought when Parida was brilliantly caught behind by India stumper Nayan Mongia off Ajit Bhoite. Parida departed when his team's score read 182 runs.

Mail Cricket Editor