Services batsman Rajat Paliwal hit an unbeaten 72 to lead the teams' strong reply against the Mohammad Kaif-led Andhra Pradesh on Day 3 of the Gorup C Ranji Trophy cricket match, here today.
Starting the day on 53 for one in response to Andhra's 234 in the first innings at the Palam Grounds in the four-day encounter, the Yashpal Singh-led Services were 218 for four at stumps, a trail of 20 runs.
After a fighting 47 from opener Soumik Chatterjee, Paliwal and Yashpal got down to business with an 89-run fourth-wicket partnership to make the Andhra bowling look ordinary.
Paliwal, who is still unconquered, registered his seventh first-class fifty in an innings laced with eight boundaries.
Yashpal also batted with purpose in his 80-ball stay and hit 11 fours before being scalped by Andhra pace spearhead Paidikalva Vijaykumar, who has picked two wickets so far.
Earlier, Services had made a brave comeback after restricting Andhra to 234 all out from a position of strength (160/3).
Brief Scores:
Andhra 1st innings 234 (A Pradeep 59, Ricky Bhi 48 not out; Roshan Raj 4-77, Deepak Punia 4-60)
Services 214/4 in 82 overs (Rajat Paliwal 72 not out, Yashpal Singh 57, Paidikalva Vijaykumar 2-64).
