Cuttack: Hosts Orissa were in deep trouble after being reduced to 202 for eight in their second innings by Himachal Pradesh on Day Four of the Ranji Trophy Plate group final at the Barabati Stadium here Wednesday.

With two wickets remaining, Orissa lead by just 42 runs with a day’s play remaining.

Wicketkeeper Haladhar Das, whose batting had boosted Orissa this season, was on 47 with tailender Sourav Sehgal batting on 1.

After conceding a 160-run first innings lead, Orissa began their second innings with Shiv Sundar Das and Bikash Pati putting on 38.But five wickets tumbled in the post-lunch session for a paltry 96 runs.

Earlier Orissa bowlers toiled through the entire pre-lunch session as the Himachal tail continued to wag.