Kotak and Shah hit half-centuries as Saurashtra made 220 for 5

Jaipur, Nov 23 (UNI) Brilliant half-centuries by SH Kotak and JN Shah helped Saurashtra score 220 for 5 at the close on the opening day of their four-day Ranji Trophy Super League Group A tie against the host Rajasthan at the KL Saini Stadium here today.

Shah and Ravindra Jadeja were batting on 62 and 13 respectively at the draw of stumps.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Saurashtra made a shaky start as they lost both openers-Jogiyani (21) and Vaghela (5)for only 49. The former was caught by Bishnoi off debutant Nissan Singh while the latter was caught by Doru off Pankaj Singh. Kotak and Pujara then added 60 for the third wicket before Pujara was dismissed by Afroz Khan caught by Aslam for 32 (106m,7x4). New comer PS Mehta could not last long as he was too made a victim by Afroz.

He was lbw for only 4 runs.

Kotak was batting well at the other end as he was stroking well around the wicket but skipper Mohammed Aslam suceeded in removing him caught behind for 58 (293m,9x4). Shah after completing his half-century facing only 76 balls with 10 fours was still going great guns finding a good partner in Ravindra Jadeja. The two had by now put on 62 for an unbroken sixth wicket stand.

Medium pacer Afroz was the most successful bowler for the home team taking 2 for 19 while Pankaj Singh, Nissan Singh and Mohammed Aslam took one wicket each.

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