Maharashtra beat Assam with bonus point in Ranji Trophy

Maharashtra registered a comprehensive innings and 52 runs win over Assam in a Group B Ranji Trophy cricket match here on Thursday.

The win gave Maharashtra seven points, along with a bonus point for completing an innings win.

They bowled out Assam for 234 in the second innings after managing 256 in their first essay.

Maharashtra scored a huge 542 in the first innings and forced Assam to follow on.

They reduced Assam to 115 for six at the close of the third day's play on Wednesday.

They required 27 overs on the fourth and final day of the match to complete the proceedings.

Maharashtra's medium pacer Anupam Sanklecha was named the Man of the Match for his 12-wicket haul. He claimed eight wickets in the first innings.

Assam's K.B. Arun Karthik was the highest scorer in the second innings with an unbeaten 87.

In Wyanad, Delhi narrowly edged Rajasthan by two wickets after suffering a batting collapse.

Chasing a target of 153 runs, they started the day on 51 for 3, needing 102 runs to win. Shikhar Dhawan, overnight batting on 35, was dismissed for 49.

Delhi were tottering at 76/5 at one stage.

Nitish Rana (31) and Sumit Narwal (27 not out) helped Delhi to victory.

In Hubli, Mumbai were dismissed for 417 in their first innings against Gujarat, surrendering a 15-run lead, but the match ended in a draw.

In response to Gujarat's 437, Mumbai began the day at 328/6. Shreyas Iyer, batting on 191, stood between Gujarat and a first innings lead. His dismissal for 194 meant Mumbai couldn't surpass their opponent's first innings lead.

Gujarat moved to 82/0 in the second innings when the match was drawn.

In New Delhi, Karnataka battled to avoid defeat against Odisha, forcing a draw.

They got a point from the match, allowing Odisha three, as they conceded a first innings lead.

Karnataka were bowled out for 179 in their first innings. Odisha capitalised on their opponents' low score to post 342, thus guaranteeing them three points for taking the first innings lead.

Karnataka were 81 ahead with four wickets when play began on Thursday. C.M. Gautam (95) and Shreyas Gopal (77) helped Karnataka shoot up to 393, setting Odisha a target of 231 in 32 overs.

Odisha batted steadily to end the match on 63 without, sealing three points.

Brief scores:

Maharashtra 542

Assam 256 and 234

Rajasthan 238 and 221

Delhi 307 and 156/8

Gujarat 437 and 82/0

Mumbai 422

Karnataka 179 and 393

Odisha 342 and 63/0

--IANS

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