Rajasthan inch closer to victory

JODHPUR: After a series of forgettable knocks, Rajasthan's middle-order batter Mahipal Lomror made a solid comeback with an unbeaten 130 off 120 balls to help Rajasthan set a target of 430 for Chhattisgarh on day three of the Group C Ranji Trophy match at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur on Thursday. This was his fifth first-class century which included 11 boundaries and five sixes.

While chasing, Chhattisgarh lost the plot completely and were reduced to 111/4 when the stumps were called.

Earlier, Rajasthan started the day's proceedings with 161 runs lead and quickly piled up 268 more before declaring in the 48th over. After openers Yash Kothari and Deepak Karwasara's early departure, Lomror first collaborated with Aditya Garhwal (73 off 69 balls) and then with Samarpit Joshi (19 not out off 30 balls). Runs were scored at quite a pace in both the partnerships. Lomror-Garhwal brought together 154 off 150 balls while Lomror-Joshi weaved 72 off 64 balls.

Brief scores: Rajasthan 360 & 268/3 declared in 48 overs (Mahipal Lomror 130, Aditya Garhwal 73) vs Chhattisgarh 199 & 111/4 in 32 overs (AG Tiwary 51; MJ Suthar 3/43).