Confident Assam face Andhra in Ranji tie from today
By our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI, January 28: Assam will take on Andhra Pradesh in the seventh round match of the group ’C; Ranji trophy tie at Barsapara stadium from tomorrow. The host needs just three points to qualify for the next phase of the tourment. On the other hand, Andhra Pradesh should collect points as much as possible from this game to stay afloat in the championship.
Assam are leading the points table with 28 points from 6 matches. Himachal Pradesh are in the second spot with 24 points from same number of matches. Andhra Pradesh, who are in the third spot, bagged 22 points and they also played 6 matches. Top two teams from this group will qualify for the next round.
Assam should go into the game with confident note, particularly after the side registered three consecutive wins on their last three matches. Swarupam Purkayastha, the off spinner who already took 29 wickets in this season, led the side to reach in a good position with some magnificent spells in the earlier matches.Tarjinder singh, who scored a century in the last game, also played few good knocks this season.
Talking to the media persons after the practice session at the Barsapara Stadium, a confident looked Swarupam today said, "We have now reached in a very good position and from here we must qualify for the next round".
He, however, denied taking the entire credit of team’s fantastic show in the tourment alone. "I am doing my role. My teammates also contributed equally to take the team to this position."
Meanwhile, Sath Kumar, the coach of Assam team, today hinted that Assam are likely to retain the same XI that played against Goa. "Possibly we are not changing main XI that played the last match," said Sath.
Andhra Pradesh, who has a very strong batting line up, will not be an easy opponent. But Assam want to keep the momentum and will try to earn a victory from this game which can also ensure next round berth. Replying a query Sath admitted that they have similar sort of plan. "I know Andhra Pradesh is a very strong opponent and they also have few quality batsman in the side. But we want to go into the field with a very positive note and hope boys will perform here as per the expectation.”
It is likely that spinner will get good assistance from the wicket in this game. However both the camps felt that it would not be a difficult job for the batsmen to score if they apply themselves properly.