Shillong, Oct 27: Akash Kumar Choudhary took 3/59 for Meghalaya as Maharashtra made 263/5 on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match in Aurangabad on Sunday.
Resuming their first innings on 274/8 after an impressive first day on Saturday, Meghalaya could only add 2 more runs for their last two wickets, with hero guest professional Anirudh B hitting both runs before falling for 142.
The hosts then got off to a rocky start, losing three of their top order batters for single figures and Maharashtra were wobbling on 51/4 when Harshal Kate (117 not out) and AN Kazi (66) put on 142 for the fifth wicket.
Akash broke this crucial partnership by trapping Kazi LBW but Maharashtra suffered no further losses as they made it to stumps with 263/5, trailing Meghalaya by 13.
Akash was the most-used bowler, with the pacer putting in 21 overs for his 3/59.
One other wicket was a run out (also thanks to Akash), while Aryan Borah (1/48 in 17 overs) bagged the other with his left-arm spin.
Maharashtra’s steady comeback was tempered by a gritty performance from Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary, whose 3/59 played a crucial role in keeping the hosts within sight.
Though Meghalaya’s first innings wrapped up pretty quickly than expected this morning despite a solid start they had got, Akash and Aryan Borah led a spirited bowling attack that challenged heavyweight Maharashtra’s top order, bringing the hosts to a vulnerable 51/4 before Harshal Kate and AN Kazi countered with a stabilizing partnership.
As the match heads into its third day, Meghalaya will definitely look to capitalize on Maharashtra’s remaining five wickets, while the hosts, trailing by just 13, will aim to extend their innings to strengthen their position.
