By IANS,
Jaipur: Rajasthan’s middle order put up stiff resistance to carry their side to 307/6 on the third day against Rest of India (ROI) in the cricket Irani Cup but still face a tough task of saving the match.
The Ranji trophy champions still trail by 356 runs and need another 156 runs to save the follow-on despite half centuries by Robin Bist (95), Rashmi Parida (85) and Ashok Menaria (59 not out).
At stumps, Maneria had Deepak Chahar (1) for company.
Resuming at 53/3, the hosts added 254 runs but have a long way to go to stop ROI from retaining the trophy.
Both Parida and Bisht were yet to open the account when they began the third day but went on to add 158 runs for the fourth-wicket to frustrate the ROI bowler — they steered Rajasthan to 135/3 at lunch.
While Bist brought his half century off 153 balls and Parida raised it on his 133rd with a boundary off Varun Aaron. The two continued to grind to enter tea at 211/3.
However, R. Vinay Kumar (2-60) struck in the first over after the tea, tempting Parida to edge an away going delivery.
Bisht along with Menaria kept up the run flow and the two added 67 runs for the fifth wicket. Bist looked poised for a well deserved century but was caught behind off left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha (2-58).