Maharashtra in commanding position

Skipper Hrishekesh Kanitkar's fine batting display placed Maharashtra in a commanding position on the first day of the West Zone Ranji Match against Gujarat at the Shivaji Stadium, Karad.

Gujarat won the toss and invited Maharashtra to bat. The Maharashtra batsmen made merry of the conditions with big partnerships in the day piling a healthy 318 for five in 90 overs. Opener Bhave (71) and Kanitkar (94) shared a 121 run partnership for the second wicket. Kanitkar and Abhijit Kale (35) added 82 for the third and the fourth wicket saw Kale and K Aphale (53 not out) add 60 in their turn at the wicket. Kanitkar caressed the ball to the fence on 14 occasions of 170 deliveries and Bhave smashed the ball 13 times in his 131 ball innings. Hitesh Majumdar bagged three of the five wickets to fall on the first day.

At the end of play K Aphale and Mandar Sane (5) were at the wicket.