Parab hits ton to put Vadodara in command

Vadodara, Jan 3 (UNI) Opener Satyajit Parab (113) cracked a magnificent century to propel Vadodara to a commanding 259 for 5 against defending champions Uttar Pradesh on the second day of their four-day Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'A' match being played at the IPCL Sports Complex here today.

At close, the hosts were trailing by just 10 runs with five wickets in hand to Mohammad Kaif-led UP's 269. Wicket keeper-batsman Pinal Shah (31 not out) and Irfan Pathan (9 not out) were at the crease.

Resuming at the overnight score of 24 without loss, Vadodara suffered an early jolt when Connor Williams was caught behind by Amir Khan for 12 edging medium pacer Praveen Kumar, who also had the scalp of skipper Jacob Martin.

The other opener Satyajit Parab, the hero of the day, played a remarkable innings as he hit 113 including 16 fours off 235 balls, his 14th century in first class cricket, to frustrate UP. the visitors are now at the bottom of the table with only four points from five matches and struggling to avoid their relegation to the plate group next year.

Before Parab fell pray to left arm spinner Piyush Chawla in the 75th over a few minutes before tea break, he had already guided Vadodara in a commanding position of 198 for 3 putting on 103 and 71 runs for the second and third wicket stand respectively with one-down Rakesh Solanki (28) and Martin (42).

Himansu Jadav, playing his first Ranji match this season, was unlucky as he was declared out for inadvertently handling the ball after going defensive to a Chawla delivery.

For UP, Praveen Kumar chipped in two for 71, while Piyush Chowla claimed two for 40 in his 17 overs.

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