Chandigarh, December 02, 2018: After trailing by 98 runs on first innings, Saurashtra gave improved performance by scoring 253 for 8 in their second venture against Punjab on the third day of the Col CK Nayudu Trophy being played at Dhruv Pandove Stadium in Patiala today.
Vishvraj Jadeja bolstered the Saurashtra's second innings with a brilliant 108 which contained 14 well struck fours and one effortless six. He was associated in three valuable partnerships. First with Niket Joshi (10), he stitched a 33-run partnership for the fifth wicket. For the sixth wicket, he was associated for the 72-run stand with Manvendra Mehta (16). With Parth Bhut (23), Vishvraj Jadeja contributed 44 runs for the seventh wicket stand.
Vishvraj Jadeja occupied the crease for 215 minutes and faced 180 deliveries. With a striking run rate of 60, Jadeja completed his century by reaching the fence 14 times and hitting one six. Jassinder Singh terminated the innings of Vishvraj by getting him caught by Shivam Bhambri. That was the only wicket Jassinder had to his credit in the Saurashtra's second innings.
Earlier, openers Vash Parekh (35, 5x4s) and Kevin Jivrajani (32, 3x4s, 1x6) gave Saurashtra a comfortable start by putting on 70 runs for first wicket before Kevin was caught by Ramandeep Singh of the bowling of Arshdeep Singh.
However, the Punjab bowlers hit back and reduced Saurashtra to 89 for 4 in 52.2 overs from 70-1. Yash Parekh (35), Tarang Gohel (10) and Samarth Vyas (10) lost their wickets in quick succession.
Vishvraj Jadeja and Niket Joshi stabilished the innings with a 33 runs for the fifth wicket. Jadeja made a major contribution of 23 runs in this partnership. Vishvraj Jadeja continued to display good batting form as he made 72 partnership with Manvendra Mehta for the sixth wicket and 44 runs with Parth Bhut for seventh wicket stand.
Arshdeep Singh (3 for 64) and Harpreet Brar (4 for 70 in 44 overs, 21 maiden) were the most successful bowlers for Punjab.
At close of play on third day, Saurashtra were ahead by 155 runs with two wickets in hand. The visitors were 253 for 8 in 121.2 overs.
Brief scores:
Saurashtra (Ist innings) 167.
Punjab (Ist innings): 265
Saurashtra (2nd innings): 253 for 8 (Yash Parekh 35, Kevin Jivrajani 32, Tarang Gohel 10, Niket Joshi 10, Vishvraj Jadeja 108, 14x4s, 1x6, Manvendra Mehta 16, Parth Bhut 23, Vivek Agath not out 7, Arshdeep Singh 3 for 64, Harpreet Brar 4 for 70, Jassinder 1 for 36).