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ShareAhmedabad, Ahmedabad: Having missed the opportunity to score big in the first innings, Niraj Patel was determined the second time round. He did not let the team down as he scored a prolific century and helped Gujarat cross 300-mark in the second innings of the Ranji Trophy league match against Orissa on Thursday. Chasing a target of 380 runs, Orissa had already lost opener BS Pati with 10 runs on board when the stumps were drawn. The home team stands a good chance to collect full points from the match.
Gujarat resumed the third day at four for no loss and soon found themselves in trouble as for second time in the match Jay Desai failed. The opener edged Debashis Mohanty's delivery in the safe hands of Orissa wicketkeeper Subrajit Sahoo. Hem Joshipura played yet another sedate innings. Joshipura (39 off 145b; 6x4) and Niraj (107) forged a 96-run partnership for the second wicket.
Niraj looked solid as he reached the three-figure mark with some exquisitely-timed shots. Punishing bowlers for over-pitching and bowling short, Niraj hit 13 fours and one six. Captain Parthiv Patel again shone with the bat as he scored 76 off 106 balls.
The two seasoned campaigners added 108 runs before Niraj was scalped by Paresh Patel. Parthiv and Bhavik Thaker stretched the total to 255. A mix-up between the two batsmen saw the captain making a long walk back to the dressing room. Bhavik, meanwhile, scored 52 at a strike rate of 108. Two wickets in span of three runs -- Bhavik and Rujul -- reduced Gujarat to 301 for six and at this stage Parthiv declared the innings.For visitors, Paresh (2/64) was the most successful bowler.
Brief scores
Gujarat: 270 and 301/6 declared (N Patel 107, P Patel 76; P Patel 2/64)
Orissa: 192 and 10 for 1
