Chauhan's ton put Saurashtra comfortable against Rajasthan

Opening batsman, Bhushan Chauhan's second consecutive century and his concrete foundation for the opening wicket with Chirag Pathak put Saurashtra comfortable by putting on 270 for the loss of 5 wickets against Rajasthan here at Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground.

Opting to bat first, Saurashtra openers Chauhan and Pathak laid solid foundation for the opening wicket by adding 154 runs and it looked at that stage that hosts again would be dominating visitors bowling but fine spell by seamer bowlers Pankaj Singh reduced the host at 154 for one to 228 for five.

However, initial breakthrough was provided by left arm leg spinner Gajendra Singh who bowled Chirag Pathak. Pathak missed his second consecutive century by 12 runs. His 88 came from 132 balls with nine fours and a six.

Sitanshu Kotak gave some support to Chauhan who was batting cautiously and added 54 runs for the second wicket before Kotak became Pankaj Singh's first victim.

Singh struck twice then after removing inform Cheteshwar Pujara (6) and skipper Jaydev Shah for naught.

Host lost three wickets in addition of just 14 runs and all the three were taken by Singh.

In between, Chauhan completed his watchfully hundred off 231 balls with eleven fours and a six.

He was batting on 111 (376m, 260b, 11X4, 1X6) and giving him compa ny was Sagar Jogiyani 20 (77m, 57b, 2X4) at the end of first day's play.

For Rajasthan, Pankaj Singh was the most successful bowler taking three wickets conceding 38 runs while spinner Gajendra Singh took two wickets giving away 104 runs.