Nataraj Behera and Anurag Sarangi struck fifties as Odisha gave a strong first innings reply to Delhi by reaching 195 for four on day three of the Ranji Trophy Group A game here today.
Sarangi was unbeaten on 76 while Behera made 62 at the top to take the hosts closer to Delhi's 311 at the KIIT stadium.
Delhi, resuming the day at 245 for 7, went on to add 66 runs to their total with the help of tail-ender Pulkit Narang (41 not out ).
The home team was in a spot of bother at 40 for two before Behera and Sarangi shared a 77 run stand to steady the ship.
Behera departed after a 92-ball stay but Sarangi made sure he held fort till stumps. Sarangi was patient in his 182-ball vigil, collecting 11 fours in the process.
Behera scored at a brisk pace with his innings comprising 12 fours.
Left arm pacer Pradeep Sangwan was the pick of the Delhi bowlers, taking two wickets for 30 runs in 14 overs. PTI BS
Brief Scores:
Delhi 1st Innings: 311 in 136.1 overs (Milind Kumar 59, Dhruv Shorey 42, Gautam Gambhir 41, Pukit Narang 41 not out; S Pradhan 4/119).
Odisha 195/4 in 67 overs (Natraj Behera 62, Anurag Sarangi 76 batting; Pradeep Sangwan 2/30).
