Published: Nov 16, 2013, 08:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 16, 2013, 08:01 PM (IST)
Bhargav Merai is unbeaten on 121 for Gujarat © AFP (Representational Picture)
Bangalore: Nov 16, 2013
A splendid unbeaten century by Bhargav Merai enabled Gujarat reach 373 for six on the third and penultimate day, and take a 67-run first innings lead against hosts Karnataka in their Ranji Trophy Group A league encounter on on Saturday.
Merai was batting on unbeaten 121 off 220 balls laced with 19 boundaries and had also put on a solid 101 runs with Rakesh Dhurv (42 not out) when stumps were drawn.
Starting the third day on 216 for five, Gujarat added another 57 runs and took the score to 373 for six when the umpires stopped the play due bad light.
The play was eventually called off towards the evening due to rains.
In the morning session, the visitors lost overnight batsman Akshar Patel after he put on a crucial 87-run stand for sixth wicket with the centurion Merai.
It was left-arm spinner KP Appanna who dealt a blow to Gujarat as he cleaned up Akshar for 39 off 69 balls with seven boundaries to his credit.
The left-handed batsman Dhurv played a crucial unbeaten knock, which helped Gujarat take the first innings lead.
Brief scores:
Karnataka 306 trail Gujarat 373 for 6 (Bhargav Merai121*, Rakesh Dhurv 42*; Abhimanyu Mithun 2 for 82) 67 runs.
