Fine bowling by Pankaj Singh and Deepak Chahar helped Rajasthan take a crucial first innings lead against Saurashtra and grab three points in their drawn match of the Ranji Trophy group 'B' league here today.
Rajasthan had piled 437 for 5 declared in their first innings and then bundled the visitors for 269 to assure themselves of three points. The hosts then enforced a follow on but Saurashtra finished at 117 for 3 when the match was called off.
Earlier, replying to Rajasthan first innings total of 437-5, Saurashtra resumed their innings at 180 for three but Pankaj and Deepak made full use of the morning conditions to dent the hopes of the visitors.
Despite a brilliant 85-run knock by A B Vasavada, the visitors were reeling at 260 for 8 at the lunch break.
A little later they were all out at 269 with Pankaj being the wrecker-in-chief, taking four for 70, while Deepak also was among wickets scalping three for 90. Shailendra Singh Gehlot took 2 for 46.
After enforcing a follow on, Rajasthan pressed for an outright win but visitors fought to end the match at 117 for 3 in their second essay.
A B Vasavada (36) and Sheldon Jackson (71 not out) resisted as Pankaj, Deepak and Shailendra took one wicket each.
Brief Score:
Rajasthan first innings: 437/5d
Saurashtra first innings: 269 all out in 84.3 overs ( AV Vasavada 85; Pankaj ingh 4/70)
Saurashtra second innings: 117/3 in 42 over (SP Jackson 71; SG Gehlot 1/14).
