Pujara century helps Saurashtra to put respectable total against TN

Rajkot, Dec 19(UNI) An unbeaten century (145 not out) by Cheteshwar Pujara and his third-wicket partnership of 216 runs with Sitanshu Kotak (84), helped Saurashtra score 325 for four in their first innings in reply to Tamil Nadu's 500 for 8 (Declared) on the penultimate day of the Ranji match at the here today.

This was the second Ranji century by Cheteswhar Pujara. Last season, he had scored 145 against Goa here.

Resuming the innings at overnight score of 70 for no loss, Saurashtra lost two quick wickets in first four overs, with the addition of just seven runs.

Both the batsmen - Kanaiya Vaghela and Sagar Jogiani - became victims of medium pacer R Jesuraj. First he bowled K Vaghela (21) and then Sagar. He was caught by M Vijay after scoring 49, one short of half century.

The new pair - S Kotak and Cheteshwar Pujara-batted long innings and proved their mental against the seamers. The bowlers were hammered whenever they erred in length. Using their feet well against spinners and medium pacers, the duo kept the scoreboard ticking at their will.

The visitors' captain R Satish used as many as seven bowlers to unsettle the duo. Cheteshwar completed his ton in 151 balls in which he exeucted 19 boundaries. The duo added 216 runs for the third wicket. Cheteswar Pujara's unbeaten innings of 145 runs contained 23 fours for which he faced 245 deliveries.

Medium pacer R Jesuraj again struck to break the partnership as Sitanshu Kotak edged to wicket keeper when he was on 84. His innings was studded with eleven fours. Saurashtra skipper Jaydev Shah (0) departed early.

At stumps, C Pujara and P Mehta were batting on 145 and 3 runs respectively.

Brief score : Tamil Nadu: first innings: 500 for 8 declared.

Saurashtra: first innings: 325 for 4 wickets in 118 overs (S Jogiyani 49, S Kotak 84, Cheteshwar Pujara not out 145. R Jesuraj 3 for 60, R Naresh 1 for 44).

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