Saurashtra batsmen dominate Gujarat

Saurashtra, aided by two centuries from its batsmen, put up 434 for the first innings and then had Gujarat at 141/3 by the close of play on Day Two of their Ranji Trophy league match at Rajkot.

Winning the toss, Saurashtra made maximal use of batting first. Opener Sujith Somasunder hit a fine 119 off 302 balls at the very top of the order, stroking 17 fours and two sixes. He also put on 166 runs for the fourth wicket with the other centurion, Feroz Bhambhaniya.

Bhambhaniya made 109 off 258 balls, hitting 12 fours. He shared a good stand with wicket-keeper Reuben Paul, who hit 74 off just 89 balls. Gujarat bowled their rivals out for 434, with off-spinner Bhavin Mehta taking three wickets.

In reply to Saurashtra's large first-innings score, Gujarat reached 141/3 by close on Day Two, with Niraj Patel striking an unbeaten 89 off 120 balls. He was accompanied at stumps by Tejas Varsani, who was unbeaten on 2.