Gujarat struggling to save match

Following on 264 runs behind, Gujarat managed to reach 73 for the loss of two wickets at the close of play on the third day of their West Zone Ranji Trophy match against Maharashtra at the Chatrapati Shivaji Stadium in Karad on Monday. Gujarat in their first innings were bowled out for 212 inspite of valiant efforts by centurion MH Parmer.

Resuming at the overnight score of 63 for 4, Gujarat added just one run before TN Varsani (10) fell leg before to Shaikh. K Damani (29) joined Parmer (115) and took the score on to 140. Damani fell for a return catch to MV Sane in the 78th over of the innings. Sane then struck the very next ball, sending back BN Mehta with the latter caught by NA Dixit.

Then Parmer departed after a patient 390 minute stay at the crease during which he found the signboards 19 times. It was just a matter of time before the Gujarat innings folded up. The 105th over saw the last wicket, that of L Patel, falling with the score card reading 212. Siddiqui (4 for 47) and Shaikh (3 for 63) shared the bowling honours for Maharashtra.

Gujarat, in their second innings were fishing in troubled waters almost immediately. Opener ND Modi (1) was sentback in the 5th over by Siddiqui, caught by Dixit. The other opener AS Kotecha (5) retired hurt soon after and one drop K Damani (2) followed him to the pavilion caught by Kondhalkar off Siddiqui. But NK Patel (32) and TN Varsani (31) took the team safely to stumps.