Published: Oct 08, 2015, 07:05 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 08, 2015, 07:05 PM (IST)
Vizianagaram: Out-of-favour India wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel scored a brilliant century to help Gujarat overcome early jitters and reach 250 for five against Andhra Pradesh on the first day of their Group B Ranji Trophymatch on Thursday. Put in to bat, Gujarat were struggling at 69 for three before Parthiv steadied in the boat, scoring a 176-ball 122, studded with 18 fours. He also put on a crucial 105-run partnership with Y Venugopal Rao (39) for the fourth wicket. At stumps, Rujul Bhatt was batting on 27 and Niraj Patel was unbeaten on 17. Full Updates: Live Cricket Score, Andhra vs Gujarat, Ranji Trophy 2015-16, Group B
For Andhra, DP Vijaykumar was the pick of the wickets with figures of three for 61, while D Siva Kumar chipped in with two for 33. While it is Gujarat’s first game of the season, Andhra are on high spirits with three points gained against 40-times champions, Mumbai in their opening match last week. First Andhra posted a total of 244 on board thanks to brilliant knocks from Mohammad Kaif and Ricky Bhui before bowling out their opponents for a mere total of 237. With a lead of just seven runs, Andhra went on to bat till the final day as they remained on 176 for three at stumps of Day four, thereby leading Mumbai and earning the three points.
Parthiv remains a domestic juggernaut, and he will be backed up by fellow Ranji veterans such as Ramesh Powar and Rao. Gujarat also has a number of talented youngsters like Akshar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Smit Patel, Manprit Juneja, and Priyank Panchal.
Brief scores:
Gujarat 1st innings: 250 for five (Parthiv Patel 122, Y Venugopal Rao 39, Rujul Bhatt batting 27; DP Vijaykumar 3 for 61, D Siva Kumar 2 for 33) vs Andhra Pradesh.
