Bhatt's 158 boosts Saurashtra

A splendid 158 by PJ Bhatt saw Saurashtra run up a total of 437 on the second day of their West Zone Ranji Trophy league match against Baroda at the Municipal stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday. At close, Baroda were 59 for no loss.

Bhatt, who was on 66 overnight, sustained Saurashtra, who had resumed at 245 for three. The middle order did not make any substantial contribution and Saurashtra were 327 for seven at one stage. However Bhatt stayed firm and then with N Odedra (24) he put on 72 runs for the eighth wicket off 29.4 overs. Bhatt who had come in at 149 for two was ninth out at 408. He batted 345 minutes, faced 261 balls and hit 22 fours and a six.

The benign nature of the wicket was proved when Baroda openers CC Williams (29) and RA Swaroop (27) batted comfortably for 24 overs to score 59 without being separated.