Saurashtra propelled by first-innings lead

Saurashtra gained a crucial first-innings lead of 21, and finished the third day at 159 for 3 against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Plate group semi-final at Rajkot. Openers Kanaiya Waghela and Sagar Jogiyani, shared an opening stand of 127 in Saurashtra's second innings. Jogiyani was particularly harsh on the bowlers, hitting 14 boundaries and a six before edging the ball to Naman Ojha off Taduri Sudhindra for 80.

Earlier, MP added just eight runs to their overnight score of 191 before losing two wickets in quick succession. Monish Mishra and Sanjay Pandey consolidated with a partnership of 52 runs, with Mishra taking the attack to the bowlers. Mishra fell just one run short of his half-century, giving Sandeep Maniar his fifth wicket of the innings. Sandeep Jobanputra took the last wicket to fall as Madhya Pradesh folded up for 275.

Saurashtra have an overall lead of 180 and a draw would ensure a place in the finals against Rajasthan, on the strength of their first-innings lead.