Punjab are just 51 runs away from a deserving win as they bundled out Uttar Pradesh for a paltry 95 in their second innings and then reached 61-2 at stumps on the third day of the Ranji Trophy Group A match here on Monday.
As many as 19 Wickets fell on the third day here as Uttar Pradesh quickly got rid of the remaining seven Punjab batmen to dismiss them for 319, grabbing a 16-run first inning lead. However, Uttar Pradesh themselves faltered in their second essay as only three of their batsmen could reach doubles figures with Rinku Singh (43 not out) emerging as the top scorer.
Siddharth Kaul turned out to be the wrecker-in-chief as he returned with a six-wicket haul, while Sandeep Sharma and Gurkeerat Mann picked up one wicket each to wrap up UP's innings in just 38.5 overs.
Opener Manan Vohra (34) and Jiwanjot Singh (27) then shared a 59-run partnership in 15.4 overs.
At the draw of stumps, Jiwanjot was at the crease and giving him company was Uday Kaul (0) with Punjab needing 51 with eight wickets at hand.
Delhi in trouble
Thumba (Kerala): Delhi conceded a huge first innings lead of 159 runs with Jharkhand enforcing follow-on on the third day in a group B Ranji Trophy encounter despite twin tons from skipper Unmukt Chand and Rishabh Pant.
Replying to Jharkhand's first innings score of 493, Delhi were all-out for 334 in their first innings thereby conceding a lead of 159 runs.
In their bid to go for an outright win, Jharkhand skipper Saurabh Tiwary asked Delhi to follow-on but Unmukt and Co gave a good account of themselves to finish the day at 165 for one with a slender lead of six runs.
Delhi will now aim to bat out the final day in order to ensure a point while Jharkhand with three in their pocket will aim to go for a six and if possible seven points from the match.
Assam take lead
Kolkata: Saurashtra left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat returned with a six-wicket haul after a stellar effort with the bat but Assam still managed to secure a small yet crucial first-innings lead on the third day of their Ranji Trophy Group B cricket fixture at the Eden Gardens here.
On a pitch with little assistance, Unadkat bowled with pace and accuracy, and struck twice in successive overs en-route to his season's best 6/48. However that did not prove to be enough as Assam rode on skipper KB Arun Karthik's patient 57 to get an 18-run first innings lead, which could be enough for the bottom-rung side to earn three points.
In reply, Saurashtra were zero for one after two overs when bad light stopped play with Arup Das cleaning up Avi Barot in the first over with a ball that stayed low.