Majumdar, Patel give Gujarat winning chance

Opening bowlers Hitesh Majumdar and Lalit Patel gave Gujarat a winning chance at stumps on the third day of their West Zone Ranji Trophy league match against Saurashtra at Surat on Sunday. After gaining a lead of 54 runs on the first innings, Gujarat grabbed nine Saurashtra wickets for 244 runs at close. Saurashtra are now 190 ahead with one wicket in hand.

In the morning, Gujarat resuming at 243 for five were all out for 276 runs. Hitesh Parsana did the most to restrict their lead, taking three of the wickets to fall to finish with four for 56. Niraj Odedra took three for 49.

When Saurashtra batted a second time, Majumder and Patel got among the wickets quickly. Saurashtra were down in the dumps at 97 for six before a seventh wicket partnership of 87 runs between Hitesh Parsana and Manoj Parmar saw them leap to a better position. Parasana, following his fine bowling performance, hit 53 in a stay of 2-1/2 hours. He faced 122 balls and hit six fours and a six. Parmar, who top scored with 65 also batted 2-1/2 hours. He faced 110 balls and hit eight fours. Majumdar registered his career best figures while ending the day with six wickets for 67. Patel took three for 64, the two sharing all the wickets that fell.