Pujara, Jogiyani set up Saurashtra win

Rajkot: Crucial knocks by middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara (75 not out) and Sagar Jogiyani (77) helped Saurashtra notch up a thrilling five-wicket win over Baroda with just two balls to spare at SCA stadium on Thursday.

This was Saurasthra’s first victory in the Ranji One-day league.

Chasing 248 to win, Saurashtra rode on half-centuries from Pujara and Jogiyani.

Pujara’s unbeaten knock came off 68 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes while Jogiyani scored his runs after consuming 97 balls with the help of seven fours and one shot over the ropes.

For Baroda, Irkam Zapawala and Rajesh Pawar took two wickets each giving away 35 and 43 runs respectively.

Earlier, electing to bat first, Baroda posted a competitive total of 247 runs before being bowled out in 49.4 overs.

Azhar Bilakhiya made 85 (107b, 8X4, 2X6), while Rakesh Solanki scored 57 from 73 balls with five hits to the fence.

Medium pacer, Jayesh Odedara was the pick of the bowlers for Sauratshra, claiming four wickets for 44 runs.

Brief Scores :

Baroda 247 all out in 49.3 overs (Azhar Bilakhiya 85, Rakesh Solanki 57, Jayesh Odedara 4 for 44)

Saurashtra 250 for 5 in 49.4 overs (Sagar Jogiyani 77, Cheteshwar Pujara 75 not out, Irkam Zapawala 2 for 35, Rajesh Pawar 2 for 43).