Railways take 10-run first innings lead over Saurashtra

New Delhi: Stumper Mahesh Rawat hit a patient half-century to help Railways take a 10-run lead over Saurashtra as the low-scoring Ranji Trophy Group B match was heading for a draw.

Railways were bowled out for 175 after starting the day at 61 for four as Saurashtra`s young paceman Jaydev Unadkat (5/53) returned a five-wicket haul. Saurashtra were 54 for two in their second innings at the end of third day`s play with Bhushan Chauhan (24) and Sheldon Jackson (3) at the crease. In the morning session, the hosts lost Nitin Bhille (23) early but overnight batsman Mahesh Rawat scored a timely 62 to save his side blushes. Experienced Murali Kartik too played a crucial role in his side taking first innings lead with an unbeaten knock of 43 while Anureet Singh contributed 11 runs. It was Abhishek Bhatt who dealt a double blow to Railways as he bowled Bhille and had Karn Sharma (7) caught behind. Dharmendrasinh Jadeja saw the back of Rawat and then Unadkat polished off the lower order with three wickets. But by that time, Railways had taken first innings lead and if match ends in a draw it will give them three points. Saurashtra`s have lost opener Chirag Pathak (11) and Sagar Jogiyani (14) in their second innings. Brief Scores: Saurashtra: 165 and 54 for 2 in 39 overs. Railways 1st innings: 175 all out in 70.1 overs. (M Rawat 62, Murali Kartik 43 not out; J Unadkat 5/53).