Valsad (Gujarat): Captain Parthiv Patel (100) and Niraj Patel (111 not out) scored centuries each to amass hosts Gujarat to 358 for six against Delhi at stumps on the opening day of their second Group B Ranji Trophy Elite division match on Thursday.
Opting to bat, Parthiv led from the front, scoring his ton off just 120 balls, while Niraj remained unbeaten on 111 that came off 203 deliveries to guide Gujarat to a comfortable position.
However, Gujarat`s start to the innings was far from rosy as they lost opener Priyank Panchal early, with the scoreboard reading seven.
Parthiv and Avi Barot (45) then held fort, sharing 99 runs for the second wicket to stabilise Gujarat`s innings.
Young left-arm orthodox bowler Vikas Mishra (4/67) then bowled Barot to scalp the first of his four wickets and produce the breakthrough for Delhi.
Parthiv became Mishra`s second victim, caught by Unmukt Chand in the 37th over of the innings. The diminutive left-hander struck 12 boundaries and a six during his stay at the crease.
Mishra also accounted for the wickets of Pratharesh Parmar (23) and Jesal Karia (21) before Niraj and Salil Yadav (28 not out) shared an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 50 to give Gujarat the upperhand at close of play.
Apart from Mishra, the pace duo of Pradeep Sangwan and Parvinder Awana took a wicket each.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat: 358 for six in 90 overs (Parthiv Patel 100, Niraj Patel 111 batting; Vikas Mishra 4/67).
PTI
