Ranji Trophy: Assam at doorstep of win over Haryana

Rohtak: Young paceman Arup Das bettered his career-best figures with a six-wicket haul to take Assam close to an emphatic victory over Haryana in their Ranji Trophy Group A match, here today.

Assam, who had conceded a first innings lead of 48 runs, wrapped up Haryana's second innings at a mere 111 to set themselves a 160-run target.

The visitors were 122 for four at the end of third day's play, just 38 runs away from an outright win. Haryana began the day at 15 for three and together with fellow paceman Krishan Das (4/48), Arup ripped apart Haryana batting line-up. Himanshu Rana was top scorer for them with a 27-run knock.

It was Krishan who started the rot by dismissing overnight opener Nitin Saini (18) and Sachin Rana (6). Arup then accounted for Himanshu Rana (27), Rahul Dalal (0) and Priyank Tehlan (15) to break the back of Harayana.

In no time, Haryana's second innings was over as they badly missed skipper Virender Sehwag badly as he is playing in US, and Assam gave themselves a good chance to record an outright win.

Assam were in a spot of bother, losing three wickets for just 35 runs but Amit Verma (24 batting) and KB Arun Karthik (48) added 76 runs for the fourth wicket to wrest back the initiative.

Karthik was dismissed at the fag end of the day but by that time Assam were firmly in control of the game.

Brief Scores:
Haryana 168 and 111 (H Rana 27;A Das 6/39, K Das 4/48)
Assam 120 and 122 for 4 in 38 overs.(KB A Karthik 48, Amit Verma 24 batting; A Hooda 2/53).