Journalism of Courage
Experienced campaigner Rajat Bhatia hit an unbeaten 158 and combined with lower-order batsmen to propel Delhi to a huge 442 all out against Odisha,who were trailing by 321 runs at the end of second day in their Ranji Trophy Group A match,here today.
Bhatia,who resumed at 71,not only recorded his 13th first class century but ensured that Delhi reach a commanding position by building partnerships with lower-order batsmen.
After early departure of his overnight partner Varun Sood (16),Bhatia joined hands with Sumit Narwal (40),raising a 65-run stand for the eighth wicket,and then rattled the opposition with his 92-run partnership with Ashish Nehra (40) for the ninth wicket.
Bhatia tormented the Odisha bowlers with 18 fours and two sixes in his 258-ball knock.
In reply,the hosts were 121 for three in with opener Natraj Behera (53) and skipper Biplab Samantray (27) at the crease.
The duo has already put on 51-run stand for the unfinished fourth-wicket stand after losing Bikas Pati (0),Niranjan Behera (5) cheaply.
Goving Poddar batted well for his 70-ball 34 before being caught behind off paceman Parvinder Awana.
Brief Scores:
Delhi 1st innings: 442 all out in 134.3 overs.(Rajat Bhatia 158 not out; Mithun Manhas 92; Deepak Behera 3/107).
Odisha 1st innings: 121 for 3 in 42 overs.(Natraj Behera 53 batting; Parvinder Awana 1/28)
