Ranji Trophy: Saurashtra in trouble against Maharashtra

Rajkot: Maharashtra batsman Ankit Bawane scored a century before his bowlers picked up three wickets quickly to leave Saurashtra struggling at 94 for 3 on the second day of Ranji Trophy Group B cricket match today.

Maharashtra made 519 in their first innings.

In-form Sheldon Jackson was batting on (57) and giving him company was Vishal Joshi (9) at the end of second day's play at SCA Stadium Khandheri.

Resuming at overnight 320 for 6, Bawane made 124. He added 79 runs with his overnight partner Shrikant Mundhe (37) and later 74 runs with Chirag Khurana.

Bawane faced 224 balls with eleven fours and a six in his fine knock.

Khurana frustrated home team bowlers even after losing Bawane, scording 69. He was the last man to be dismissed as Maharashtra piled up 519 off 150.5 overs.

For Saurashtra, Kamlesh Makwana was the most successful bowler, taking 5 for 120, while Dharmendra Jadeja finished with 2 for 189.

Saurashtra openers Bhushan Chauhan (4) and Sagar Jogiyani (4) were sent back by Mundhe and Samad Fallah respectively.

Akshay Darekar trapped Arpit Vasavada (14), reducing Saurashtra to 67 for 3. Jackson, who hit a back-to-back century against Gujarat and Punjab, hit five fours and four sixes while facing 60 balls, and was batting at stumps.

For Maharashtra, Fallah, Mundhe and Darekar toook a wicket each.

Brief Scores:

Maharashtra: 519 in 150. 5 overs (Ankit Bawne 124, Chirag Khurana 69; Kamlesh Makwana 5/120).

Saurashtra: 94 for 3 (Sheldon Jackson batting 57, Vishal Joshi batting on 9).