After shinning with the ball, India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's unbeaten 178 helped Saurashtra take a first innings lead against Railways on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match in Rajkot on Tuesday, 13 November.
Courtesy Jadeja's knock, Saurashtra lead Railways by 144 runs after they ended the Day 2 at 344/8.
After electing to bat, Railways were bundled out for a meagre 200 with skipper Mahesh Rawat top-scoring with 46.
For the hosts, Jadeja, a left-arm spinner (4-58), did most of the damage. And Jadeja did not disappoint with the bat too.
After Saurashtra's top-order failed, left-handed Jadeja took centre-stage at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, hitting 16 fours and four sixes in his 326-ball stay at the crease so far.
He hammered a listless Railways attack and completed his 100 off 216 balls and 150 in 285 balls.
Jadeja found an unusual partner in number 9 Kamlesh Makwana who made 62.
The duo frustrated the Railway bowlers, but Makwana's stay at the crease was cut short by Harsh Tyagi.
Saurashtra's hopes of increasing the lead now solely depend on Jadeja, who will be eyeing a double-hundred.
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