Yashpal Singh's double ton puts Services in command

Kerala fought back in their second innings after conceding a three-run lead to Goa at the end of the third day of the plate group encounter being played at Kochi. A century from new recruit Sujith Somasunder and a 54 from the other opener Manimandiran Sorab saw the hosts reach 245-4 when stumps were drawn.

Earlier, Goa, who began the day at 195-8, made 214 in their first innings before being dismissed. The last man to be dismissed was No. 9 Sanjay Dahad who made 85.

At Nagpur's Vidarbha Cricket Association ground, Saurashtra's last-wicket pair of Feroz Bambhaniya (50*) and Jolly Jobanputra (52), went on to add a further 45 runs as the visitors managed to gain a 12-run over Vidarbha. With the hosts struggling in their second innings - they were 148-8 when the third day's play ended - Saurashtra now seem poised to register an outright win.

The Air Force Station ground at Delhi, meanwhile, saw Services middle-order batsman Yashpal Singh make a swashbuckling 240 off just 342 balls. Yashpal's contribution and a 120 from the other overnight not out batsman Jasvir Singh ensured that their team reached 491-8 declared in their first innings.

Tripura, in reply, had made 304-8 thanks in main to a 83 from opener Riteesh Jaiswal and a 45 from Subal Chowdhury. After the duo's dismissal, Gourpada Bhanik (38*) and Sujit Roy (35*) ensured that Tripura retained the slimmest chance of gaining the first innings lead with an 75-run partnership for the unbroken eighth wicket. Off-spinner Sanjay Dhull, playing in only his second match, was the most successful bowler for Services with a haul of 4-92.