Panchal unbeaten 134 takes Gujarat to 281/2

Priyank Kirit Panchal smashed an unbeaten 134 as Gujarat batsmen sent Punjab bowlers for a leatherhunt to score 281 for 2 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Group A cricket match here today.
It was a tough day for Punjab bowlers, who toiled without much reward, after their captain Gurkeerat Singh inserted the opposition after winning the toss at the KSCA Stadium here.
Opener Panchal was the star for Gujarat, carrying his bat through the first day, as he hit 12 fours in his 252-ball yet-to-be-conquered knock.
Panchal added 143 for the second wicket with Bhargav Merai, who made 65, and another 111 with Rujul Bhatt (55 batting) for the unbroken third-wicket stand.

Samit Gohel (16), the other opener, was the only Gujarat batsmen who did not have a substantial score on the opening day which saw 82 overs being bowled.
Manpreet Gony (1/31) and Sandeep Sharma (1/57) were the wicket-takers for Punjab.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat 1st Innings: 281 for 2 in 82 overs (Priyank Kirit Panchal 134 batting, Bhargav Merai 65, Rujul Bhatt 55 batting).