Despite Cheteshwar Pujara's fine knock of 80, Saurashtra got bundled out for a mere 173, which Gujarat achieved comfortably to register a four-wicket victory in an inconsequential West Zone Vijay Hazare one-day league tie on Tuesday.
Published: Feb 29, 2012, 12:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 29, 2012, 12:44 PM (IST)
Debutant Rush Kalaria impressed with figures of 4 for 21 for Gujarat © Getty Images
Mumbai: Feb 29, 2012
Despite Cheteshwar Pujara’s fine knock of 80, Saurashtra got bundled out for a mere 173, which Gujarat achieved comfortably to register a four-wicket victory in an inconsequential West Zone Vijay Hazare one-day league tie on Tuesday.
Electing to bat first at the Wankhede Stadium, Saurashtra scored 173 all out in 47.5 overs and in reply Gujarat reached the target, making 175 for six in 39.3 overs.
Saurashtra got off to a poor start with three of their batsmen out for ducks, even as the scorecard read 14 for four.
Pujara then coupled with Chirag Jani (42) to consolidate the innings.
The duo managed to take the score past the 100-run mark but once the 22-year-old Jani was dismissed, it was left to Pujara, who hit three sixes and as many fours in his 126-ball 80, to single-handedly guide Saurashtra to 173.
For Gujarat, debutant opening bowler Rush Kalaria took 4 for 21.
In reply to Saurashtra’s modest total, Gujarat got off to a good start with the openers, Avi Barot and Priyank Panchal putting up a half-century stand together to lay a solid platform.
Thereafter, Sunny Patel (43, 68b, 5×4, 1×6) helped the team win easily.
Both sides were already out of the contention for a berth in the knockouts before Tuesday’s final league game. (PTI)
Brief scores: Saurashtra: 173 all out in 47.5 overs (Cheteshwar Pujara 80, Chirag Jani 42; Rush Kalaria 4/21) lost to Gujarat: 175 for 6 in 39.3 overs (Sunny Patel 43, Priyank Panchal 31, Akshar Patel 30; Kamlesh Makvana 3/32, Nayan Doshi 3/36).
