Govind Podder (51) crafted a patient half-century and Deepak Behera scored a crucial unbeaten 35 under pressure to lead Odisha to a four-wicket win over Haryana in their Ranji Trophy Group B match, here today.
Chasing 148 to win, Odisha began the fourth and the final day at 60 for three and completed the win after losing three more wickets.
Odisha earned six points, including a bonus point, from this contest at Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium.
Podder, overnight 19, and Abhilash Mallick (3) started the proceedings but Haryana immediately made it a contest when Chanderpal Saini bowled the latter in the fourth over of the day.
Wicket-keeper Halhadar Das (6) joined Podder but he too departed early after being bowled by M Sharma.
Two quick wickets sent some ripples in the visiting camp but Deepak supported Podder well and gradually took the side closer to the win.
The two shared a 43-run stand for the sixth wicket and this crucial partnership poured cold water on the hopes of the hosts.
Podder was castled by Sachin Rana when the team still required 24 runs. His 51 came off 120 balls with the help of seven shots to the fence.
Lagnajit Samal (12) and Behera guided the side home.
Behera took 96 balls for his 35 and hit six boundaries including a six in his crucial knock.
Brief Scores:
Haryana: 66 and 300 Odisha 219 and 152 for six in 62.1 overs. (G Podder 51, D Behera 35 not out; C Saini 2/25).