Tamil Nadu are all set to make the semifinal grade of the Ranji Trophy tournament after consolidating their position in the quarter-final match against Maharashtra here today.
Replying to Maharastra's 232 all out Tamil Nadu put on board 415 to take a handsome 183-run lead.
At stumps on day three, Maharashtra were 90 without loss but still trailing by 93 runs and the best result they can get of out the contest is a draw.
Openers Harshad Khadiwale (31) and Chirag Khurana (55) were at the crease at close.
A draw would send Tamil Nadu into the semi-finals on the basis of first innings lead.
Earlier, resuming at 259 for three, Tamil Nadu batsmen fell prey to medium pacers Samad Fallah and Darekar as they shared six wickets between them.
The hosts crossed the 400-run mark thanks to Yo Mahesh's enterprising 59-run knock off 111 balls with 10 fours.
He added 51 runs for the ninth wicket with J Kaushik (7).
Published 04 January 2012, 14:05 IST