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Niraj Patel thwarts Saurashtra

A brilliant, unbeaten, maiden century by teenager Niraj Patel thwarted Saurashtra's bid for an outright victory over Gujarat on the final day of the four-day West Zone Ranji Trophy league match today. The 19-year-old Patel stood like a rock amid ruin to ensure a draw for Gujarat.

Patel's century was studded with 13 fours. He faced 236 balls during his 240-minute stay at the crease.

Gujarat scored 156 for four in their second innings before stumps were drawn.

Saurashtra collected five points by virtue of their first innings lead while Gujarat had to be content with three points.

Gujarat, who resumed their first innings at the overnight score of 308 for eight, were all out for 347 after 50 minutes' play this morning and forced to follow-on.

They began their second innings on a dismal note, losing their first two wickets in quick succession. Medium pacer Kamal Chavda provided the first jolt in the second over of the innings when he trapped Nilesh Modi for a 'duck' with no score on the board.

The other opener Amrish Kotecha, who was playing well, was run-out. He had made 20 with the help of three fours.

Niraj Patel and Keyur Padia then played sensibly and added 82 runs for the third wicket before the latter was caught by Vasanth Kumar off Niraj Odedara for 24.

Tejas Varsani, who joined Patel, also departed soon when off-spinner Hitesh Parsana had him trapped in front of the wicket before he could score.

Kirat Damani gave ample support to Patel and helped him to reach the coveted three figure mark. Damani was not out on six and stayed at the pitch for 78 minutes, facing 50 balls.

Brief scores:
Saurashtra (1st innings): 503 for 8 declared.
Gujarat (1st innings): 347 all out in 127.2 overs (Nilesh Modi 59, Niraj Patel 58, Pathik Patel 55; Hitesh Parsana 3 for 69, N Odedara 3 for 76, D Chudsma 3 for 112).
Gujarat (2nd innings): 156 for four wickets in 76 overs (Amrish Kotecha 20, Niraj Patel 100 not out, Keyur Padia 24; Kamal Chavda 1 for 22; Niraj Odedara 1 for 50; H Parsana 1 for 35).

Cuttack: Hosts Orissa managed a thrilling four-run first innings lead over Bihar as their four-day East Zone Ranji Trophy league match ended in a draw at the Barabati stadium today.

Despite a brilliant unbeaten 96 by Abinash Kumar, the visitors, who resumed the day at 259 for seven, conceded the vital first innings lead to Orissa, being bowled out for 386. Orissa had made 390 in its first innings.

The match was called off after the eighth mandatory over when Orissa were 84 for no loss with skipper S S Das on 44 and P Jaychandra on 39 at the crease.

By virtue of the slender first innings lead, Orissa earned five points from their opening tie, while Bihar got three to take their tally to 11 from two matches. The hosts will now clash with Tripura in their second league tie, at Cuttack from December 24.

Vadodara: Baroda bagged five points, while Mumbai three as the West Zone Ranji Trophy league match ended in a draw at the Indian Petrochemicals ground today.

After adding 41 runs to its overnight first innings score of 323 runs for nine wickets Baroda were all out for 364 just short before the lunch break.

Baroda's points tally sore to ten, having bagged five points from its earlier match with Gujarat.

Later, Mumbai, in its second innings, made 228 for two wickets in 68 overs by close of play.

Jatin Paranjpee scored a brilliant unbeaten 116.

Brief scores:
Mumbai (1st innings): 335
Baroda (1st innings): 364
Mumbai (2nd innings): 228 for 2 (Jatin Paranjpee 116 not out).

UNI