Rawat`s ton helps Railways earn three points against Rajasthan

New Delhi: Thanks to Mahesh Rawat`s superb century, Railways managed to gain three points by virtue of their first innings lead over defending champions Rajasthan in their drawn Ranji Trophy Elite Group `A` match on Sunday.

In reply to Rajasthan`s first innings total of 521 for eight declared, Railways` batsmen showed a lot of resolve against opposition bowling attack to declared at 525 for eight. Thereafter, Railways bowlers did well to reduce the visitors to 21 for four. Resuming at an overnight total of 274 for four, the hosts were led by centurion Rawat (145, 196 balls, 21x4) and M Suresh`s unbeaten 61 off 97 balls, studded with four hits to the fence. While Rawat, who resumed on 26, played a patient and responsible knock, another overnight batsmen Yere Goud, who was batting on 35, went on to hit a solid but slow 70 off 257 balls with the help of seven fours, to lay a strong platform. Rawat and Goud put on a crucial 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket before the latter got out. However, Rawat continued in the able company of Suresh and the duo put together 90 runs for the sixth wicket. Rajasthan`s Vivek Yadav ended with bowling figures of six for 134. In their second innings, Rajasthan got off to a poor start, losing the top order cheaply to be reduced to 20 for four in 11.4 overs before stumps were drawn at 21 for four. Arlen Konwar (2 for 5) and Anureet Singh (2 for 10) were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets each. Brief scores: Rajasthan 1st innings: 521 for 8 decl. Railways 1st innings: 525 for 8 decl (Mahesh Rawat 145, Yere Goud 70, M Suresh not out 61; Vivek Yadav 6/134). Rajasthan 2nd innings: 21 for 4 (Arlen Konwar 2/5). PTI