Patel leads Gujarat to 330/4 against Goa in q-final of Ranji Trophy

Gujarat Skipper Parthiv Patel led his team by example with his 27th first-class century Ranji Trophy quarter final against Goa.

His exploit took Gujarat to 330 for four on the first day of the round. Patel hit the mark after scoring an unbeaten 118 off 156 balls at the Sardar Patel Stadium, getting better of the Goa bowlers with 15 boundaries.

The left-handed batsman scored didn’t stop there as he also in during the game completed 11,000 first-class runs.

Opting to bat after winning the toss,  Gujarat openers Samit Gohel (52) and Priyank Panchal (28) didn’t have the lively start they craved for as they added 64 for the first wicket.

Bhargav Merai (84 off 113 balls) was also removed after Gohel. The first-class cricketer was caught Snehal Kauthankar in the slips after he poked at a wide delivery from left-arm spinner Darshan Misal. He left the pitch at 107 for two.

Patel and Merai then came in to steady the ship. The due started the rescue mission with their brisk pace, which was a thorn in the flesh of a listless Goa attack. With 139 runs for the third wicket, Goa couldn’t come back into the game.

On his part, Merai’s right hand was too handy for Goa bowlers as he struck 12 boundaries. He was, however, stopped from getting his eighth first-class hundred because he was removed after a well-made 84, all thanks to Leg-break bowler Amit Verma (2-73).

Verma gave Goa the needed breather after tossing one up, with Merai’s attempted drive resulting in an edge in the slip cordon.

He continued from where he stopped by quickly removing Manprit Juneja (1). Undeterred by the fall of two quick wickets, Patel held the innings together for his team and notched up his hundred after he paddled-sweep Verma for his 13th boundary.

Chirag Gandhi (40 not out) provided another solid partnership for Patel at number six to ensure Gujarat took the honours on the opening day.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed