Shamsher Yadav's sixth wicket stand of 107 runs with Rahul Singh put Services in a commanding position -- 400/8 -- against Railways after the second day at Holkar Stadium here on Sunday.
Shamsher, a sailor with the Indian Navy, astutely navigated the fortunes of his team and weathered the rival bowling attack for over 11 hours. His knock of 136 (431b, 15x4, 1x6) was perfect, patient and purposeful.
He was hardly extravagant. With Raushan Raj, he stitched a 60-run fifth wicket partnership and later with Rahul (95 batting, 151b, 13x4) he consolidated Services's position.
Shamsher hoisted a huge six over long off to reach his first hundred of the season. What followed was a flurry of strokes especially against the spinners. A reverse sweep off Bhatt earned a disdainful look from the spinner.
A lapse of concentration led to his exit: a mishit off Bhatt that was well taken by a diving Siva Kumar at long off.
For Andhra, it was yet another day of hardship and heartbreak. Nothing went as per its plan. The new ball did not do any magic. Barring the two brilliant run outs - by Ashwin Hebbar and Ayyappa - it was sweat and toil in the first two sessions.
Andhra vainly used seven bowlers to stop the menacingly marching Servicemen.
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