Assam bowlers produced a disciplined collective effort to keep their side firmly in the contest against Saurashtra despite falling short of the 300-run mark, leaving the third-round Ranji Trophy Group B clash finely balanced at the end of Day 2 in Rajkot on Tuesday.After being bowled out for 281 early in the morning session, Assam responded impressively with the ball to reduce Saurashtra to 156 for four at stumps, with the hosts still trailing by 125 runs with six wickets in hand.The foundation of Assam’s first-innings total was laid by veteran Sibsankar Roy, who converted his overnight half-century into a responsible century. Resuming on 59, Roy added 41 more runs to complete his fifth first-class hundred before becoming the last man out for 100. His determined 228-ball knock, featuring nine fours and a six, ensured Assam posted a competitive total after resuming the day on 235 for six.Assam’s hopes of pushing beyond 300 suffered an early setback when overnight batter Amlanjyoti Das was bowled by Parth Bhut for 19. Roy continued to hold one end together, but wickets fell regularly at the other. Bhut claimed the key wickets of both Das and Roy, while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with the wicket of Mukhtar Hussain and Mohit Thakur was run out as Assam’s innings ended at 281.The visitors, however, quickly made amends with an inspired effort in the field. Medium pacer Hridip Deka provided the early breakthrough by dismissing Harvik Desai for nine before off-spinner Mohit Thakur removed Chirag Jani for five, reducing Saurashtra to 25 for two.Opener Hetvik Kotak and Jay Gohil then steadied the innings with a 50-run stand for the third wicket. Gohil made 33 before edging Swarupam Purkayastha behind the stumps.Assam struck another important blow when Amlanjyoti Das trapped Jadeja lbw for 21, preventing the veteran India all-rounder from taking control of the innings.Kotak remained unbeaten on a patient 65 off 207 deliveries, while veteran left-hander Arpit Vasavada was on 12 at close.With Saurashtra still needing 126 runs to move ahead and Assam hunting six wickets, the match remains delicately poised heading into an important third day.
