01-Dec-2009 105
Orissa qualified for the semifinals of the C K Nayudu Trophy (under-22) Cricket Tournament by gaining three points off their quarterfinal clash against Railyway at Ravenshaw University ground in Cuttack today.
The quarterfinal clash ended in a draw on the fourth and final day. But the home side secured three points by virtue of taking first innings lead. The highlight of the last day’s play was a century by Orissa opener Natraj Behera (137) and his 171-run stand for the opening wicket with Sandeep Mulia (75). Orissa will meet Gujarat in the semifinals to be played at Ahmedabad from December 6 to 9.
Brief scores:
Orissa: 297 and 315/5 (Natraj Behera 137, Sandeep Mulia 75, P R Sinha 41 n.o: B Amit 2/37) drew with Railway: 249 (Ashwaini Mandhyani 74, Narendra Singh 53, Rakesh Mishra 49, Prashant Awashthi 39: Biplab Samantaray 3/28, Alok Mangaraj 2/46, Alok Pradhan 2/55, Lagnajit Samal 2/64).
