Gujarat trounce Maharashtra by innings and 130 runs

Gujarat made a winning start to 2019 by defeating hosts Maharashtra by an innings and 130 runs in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group A game here Wednesday.

After bundling out Maharashtra for 230 in the first innings at the MCA international stadium at Gahunje near here, Gujarat piled up a mammoth 545/8 declared, thanks to centuries by skipper Priyank Panchal and opener Kathan Patel.

When the play began on the fouth and the final day, Maharashtra were teetering at 137 for 6 in their second innings, adrift by 178 runs.

Maharashtra's second essay folded up at 185 in 55.5 overs.

Anupam Sanklecha showed resistance as he remained unbeaten on 40, but Gujarat bowlers removed the tail to hand their side a memorable win and additional point.

For Gujarat, right-arm medium pacer Chintan Gaja (3-47) and leg-break bowler Piyush Chawla (3-18) shared the wickets.

Gujarat grabbed 7 points from the win.

Brief Scores: At Pune: Maharashtra 230 and 185 (Anupam Sanklecha 40 not out, Naushad Shaikh 40, Piyush Chawla 3-18) lost to Gujarat 545/8 declared (Priyank Panchal 141, Kathan Patel 107, Manprit Juneja 87, Anupam Sanklecha 3-80) by an innings and 130 runs.

Gujarat 7 points, Maharashtra 0.