Parthiv misses double ton, Gujarat secure first innings lead

Gujarat skipper Parthiv Patel missed out on a double century but the visitors managed to secure a 63-run first innings lead over Jharkhand on the third and penultimate day of their Group A Ranji Trophy match here today.
Gujarat declared their first innings after reaching 352 for nine, in reply to Jharkhand's 289 in their first essay at the Keenan Stadium here.
It was Parthiv Patel, who almost single-handedly guided Gujarat to 350-plus mark. He scored a brilliant 189 off 298 balls studded with 19 fours, besides putting on a solid 185-run partnership with opener Samit Gohel (80) for the third wicket.

Resuming on 168 for two, former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv, who was on 75 last night, continued scoring even after losing partner Gohel.
Jharkhand skipper Shahbaz Nadeem introduced spin and S S Quadri struck to claim Gohel's wicket for 80 that came off 242 deliveries with 11 hits to the fence.
The visitors, who were at 208 for three at the fall of Gohel, lost middle-order batsman Y Venugopal Rao (9), R H Bhatt (11), Akshar Patel (14) and Rakesh Dhruv (7) cheaply.

But even as wickets kept tumbling at the one end, Parthiv stood tall and battled it out for 470 minutes in the middle.

He, unfortunately misread a delivery from Quadri and tossed an easy catch to Sunny Gupta who made no mistake.
For the hosts, Quadri finished with four for 73, while Nadeem and Sunny Gupta scalped two wickets each.
In reply, Jharkhand were 28 for no loss in their second essay with opener Bhavin Thakker retired hurt at an individual score of two.
At stumps, Rameez Nemat was unbeaten on 17 and Bhavik Thaker was on two.
Brief scores:
Jharkhand: 289 & 28 for no loss (Rameez Nemat batting 17)
Gujarat 1st innings: 352 for nine decl (Parthiv Patel 189, Samit Gohel 80; Samar Quadri 4/73).