A 134-run stand between opener Shivakant Shukla (83) and middle-order batsman Arindam Ghosh (51) brought Railways back in the match as they require 119 runs to win against Bengal on what promises to be an exciting final day of the Ranji Trophy group A encounter, tomorrow.
Needing 315 to win, Railways were 196 for 5 at stumps on the third day with danger-man Mahesh Rawat (23 batting) at the crease with skipper Karn Sharma (13 batting).
Both players bat with an attacking mindset and will not hold themselves from playing strokes.
Bengal's chances also can't be entirely ruled out as they require only five wickets and the second new ball is only an over old. But with Karn and Mahesh both having a propensity to go for shots, the new ball can also get them quick runs.
Their real boost would be young medium pacer Sayan Ghosh (2/52 in 19 overs), who removed the two set batsmen to bring Bengal back in the game.
Railways had recovered from the initial setbacks with another youngster Amit Kuila (3/42 in 22 overs) blowing away the top three within 22 runs.
Saurabh Wakaskar (11), Mrunal Devdhar (0) and Vasaimudi Cheluvuraj (0) were out in quick succession. In fact Kuila was on a hat-trick removing Devdhar and Cheluvuraj off successive deliveries but Arindam Ghosh prevented thwarted his attempt.
Earlier, Bengal added 6 runs to their overnight score of 208 for 9 as they ended their second innings at 214. Debutant Karan Thakur was the most successful bowler grabbing 4 for 45.
Brief Scores: Bengal 205 and 214 (Manoj Tiwary 48, Karan Thakur 4/45)
Railways 105 and 196/5 (Shivakant Shukla 83, Arindam Ghosh 51, Amit Kuila 3/42, Sayan Ghosh 2/52).
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