Merai, Juneja hit fifties in Gujarat's strong reply

Riding on half centuries from Bhargav Merai (70) and Manpreet Juneja (66 batting), Gujarat made a strong reply to Baroda's first innings 544/8 declared as their Ranji Trophy Group A match headed for a draw on the third and penultimate day here today.
Gujarat made a slow progress, adding 243 runs from the 90 overs bowled today, but Merai and Juneja made sure that they were still in the fight for the first-innings lead at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
They were 277 for 4 at stumps, after resuming the day at 34 for no loss, still trailing by 267 runs with six first innings wickets in hand.

Gujarat's hopes of a first innings lead (and three points) will hinge largely on Juneja and Rujul Bhatt (38 not out), who shared an unbroken 100-run stand after the Pandya brothers -- Krunal and Hardik -- removed Merai and captain Parthiv Patel (20) in quick succession to leave Gujarat in choppy waters at 177 for 4.
The foundation for Gujarat's strong reply was laid by Merai and opener Samit Gohel (43) as the duo shared 97 runs for the second wicket. Merai hit 10 fours in his knock of 134 deliveries while Gohel played an agonisingly slow 178-ball innings which had five fours.

Juneja has so far faced 129 balls from which he had hit nine fours.

Baroda captain Irfan Pathan used as many as eight bowlers, including himself. Krunal Pandya took two wickets, while Hardik Pandya and Munaf Patel had one. Irfan was wicketless.
Brief Scores:
Baroda: 544 for 8 declared.
Gujarat: 277 for 4 in 105 overs (Bhragav Merai 70, Manpreet Juneja batting 66; Krunal Pandya 2/50).