Middle-order batsman Rahul Tripathi struck his second first class hundred as Maharashtra took a first innings lead on the third day of their Ranji Trophy cricket match here today.
24-year-old Tripathi played sensibly through a tense morning session as he guided Maharashtra to 409 all out in reply to Rajasthan's first innings total of 318, a lead of 91 runs, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Tripathi's 119 came from 250 balls and he hit eight fours and two sixes.
With just a day left in the match, Maharashtra are certain to seal at least three points on the basis of first innings. They still have a chance to score an outright win.
After taking a 91-run lead, Maharashtra pushed Rajasthan to the brink by taking three quick wickets when they came to bat for the second time in the match.
Rajasthan were 115 for 3 at the draw of the stumps with their top three batsmen failing to impress yet again. Captain Ashok Menaria and Rajat Bhatia were batting on 37 and 27 respectively at the close of play.
Brief Scores:
Rajasthan: 318 (Ashok Menaria 84, Rajat Bhatia 59) and 115 for 3 (Menaria 37 batting, Bhatia 27 batting)
Maharashtra: 409 (Rahul Tripathi 119, Chirag Khurana 77; K Ajay Singh 4/87).
