Saurashtra in strong position, put up 285/1 on day one

Rajkot, Nov 23 (UNI) Debutant Chirag Pathak struck an unbeaten 145 and his opening wicket record partnership of 275 with Bhusan Chauhan (104) put Saurashtra in a commanding position against formidable Mumbai as they cruised to 285 for one on the first day of the four-day super league Ranji match at the Madhavrao Scindia Stadium here today.

After winning the toss, Saurashtra opted to bat first and the opening pair--Chirag Pathak and Bhusan Chuahan--combined well to put up 275 runs for the first wicket before Bhusan was victim of Right arm spinner Amol Majmudar. He was caught by wicket keeper V Sawant after completing his ton. His 104 runs was studded with eight fours, and one six off 246 balls.

Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer used as many as seven bowlers to unsettle the duo early on, but in vain. The duo hammered the bowlers whenever they faced loose deliveries. Chirag survived on 96 when wicket keeper Vinayak Sawant failed to take a stumping chance off Sairaj Bahutule.

Both the duo, using the feet well against the spinners and pacers, kept the scoreboard ticking at their will. Chirag was more aggressive then his senior partner.

He completed the coveted mark in 283 minutes while facing 210 balls in which he struck ten boundaries and two sixes.

Seamers D Kulkarni, U Malvi and M Hussain were unimpressive in their bowling and unable to make any impression on the duo on a good batting track. They have laid a solid foundation for the hosts.

Pathak was bating on 145 inclusive of 14 fours and two sixes when stumps were drawn, S Kotak gave him company on two.

BRIEF SCORE: 285 for 1(Chirag Pathak not out 145, B Chauhan 104 Amol Mazumdar one for three).

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