Jaipur: After failing to register a win despite taking first innings lead in their previous three matches, Rajasthan are finally set to post their maiden victory of the season in the Ranji Trophy.Rajasthan needed only six wickets against Himachal Pradesh in their Elite Group D clash at Dharamshala on the fourth and final day on Thursday.At stumps on Day 3, the hosts were tottering at 83 for the loss of four top-order batters in their second innings while chasing a daunting target of 447. The home team still required 364 runs to win with six wickets remaining.
Rajasthan’s captain Kartik Sharma (63) scores half-century against Himachal during Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match in Dharamshala on Wednesday
Himachal skipper Pukhraj Mann (39) and Akash Vashisht (18) were batting at the crease. So far they have added 28 runs for the unfinished fifth wicket after Rajasthan pacers reduced them to 55 for 4 in the 20th over.Rajasthan bowlers Danish Bhambhu picked up 2 for 13, while Aniket Choudhary (1-24) and Sahil Dhiwan (1-34) took a wicket apiece.
Rajasthan’s all-rounder Vishal Harsh (50) scores half-century against Himachal during Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match in Dharamshala on Wednesday
The penultimate day completely belonged to Rajasthan as the visitors dominated to consolidate their position in the match.Rajasthan’s wicketkeeper-batter Kunal Singh Rathore (86), skipper Kartik Sharma (63) and all-rounder Vishal Harsh (50) scored half centuries as they declared their second innings at 521 for 8 in 131.1 overs.After being bundled out for mere 78 in their first innings, Rajasthan batters bounced back gallantly to put their opponents on the backfoot.Himachal bowlers Abhishek Kumar scalped 3 for 146, while Arpit Guleria and Jitendra Rana took 2 wickets each.
