Shah's 96 takes Saurashtra to 261-6 against HP on day 3

Middle-order batsman Jaydev Shah cracked an unbeaten 96 as Saurashtra reached 261 for 6 in their first innings on the third day against Himachal Pradesh in their Group C Ranji Trophy match at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium here today.
After HP posted a mammoth first innings total of 551 yesterday, Saurashtra resumed their reply at 21 for no loss with overnight openers Mohsin Dodia and Avi Barot restarting their innings.
Barot was the first to go in the second ball of the morning when he was caught by Vasisht off Dhawan's bowling. Sagar Jogiyani (10) tried to give company to Dodia but he was sent packing by Vasisht with wicketkeeper Bains taking the catch.

Dadia then joined hands with Shah and helped Saurashtra cross the 100-mark but they soon lost two quick wickets in the 44th adn 45th overs to see the side slip to 107 for four.
While Bipul Sharma trapped Dodia infront of wicket, Chauhan cleaned up Sheldon Jackson (1) in the next over.
Chirag Jani (56) and Shah then added 54 runs before the former was sent back to the hut by Vasisht with Gangta taking the catch.

New man Deepak Punia then became a victim of Dhawan in the 93rd over.
The hosts thus scored 240 runs losing six wickets and they are still 290 runs behind HP with four wickets remaining in their first innings.

Shah (96) and Saurya Sanandiya (5) were at the crease when the stumps were drawn.
Brief Score:
Himachal Pradesh 1st innings: 551
Saurashtra 1st innings: 261 for six in 99 overs (JN Shah 96 not out; R Dhawan 2/39).