Half century each by captain Govind Poddar, Biplab Samantraya and Saurabh Rawat helped Odisha share points in their Group-B Ranji Trophy match against Delhi at PCA Stadium in Mohali today. Needing 259 runs to avoid innings defeat, Odisha were 274 for eight in the second innings when the four-day match ended in a draw.
Resuming their second innings at the overnight score of 109 for four, Odisha suffered two setbacks early on the final day as Poddar departed after adding four runs to his overnight score of 52, while Subhranshu Senapati, who top-scored with 76 in the first innings, was dismissed for two.
But courageous knocks of 88 and 55 by allrounder Biplab Samantray and wicket-keeper Saurabh Rawat respectively brought Odisha back into the game.
The duo dashed the opposition victory hope, compiling 134 runs in their sixth-wicket stand.
Vice-captain Basant Mohanty and tail-ender Dhiraj Singh also played commendable roles in drawing the match as they defied the marauding Delhi bowlers for around nine overs, while adding two runs in the unbroken ninth-wicket stand.
However, Delhi gained three points from this match by virtue of taking first-innings lead, while Odisha contended themselves with one point. Odisha now have eight points from three matches and they will next meet Rajasthan at Patiala from November 5 to 8.