Bhushan Chauhan (111 not out) struck his second successive hundred and shared a 154-run stand with fellow opener Chirag Pathak (88) to steer Saurashtra to 270 for five against Rajasthan on the opening day of their Elite Division Ranji Trophy match in Rajkot on Saturday.

The hosts could have been in a more comfortable position but Rajasthan pacer Pankaj Singh spoilt their party with a brilliant spell in which he claimed three wickets at Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground.

Chauhan and Pathak laid a strong foundation though the latter missed his second consecutive century by 12 runs. His 88 came from 132 balls with nine fours and a six.

Left-arm spinner Gajendra Singh drew the first blood when he bowled Pathak.

Chauhan though continued to torment the visiting bowlers adding another 54 runs for the second wicket with Sitanshu Kotak, who became Pankaj Singh's first victim.

Singh then dealt twin blow when he removed in-form Cheteshwar Pujara (6) and skipper Jaydev Shah for naught.

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

He was batting on 111 (11x4, 1x6) and giving him company was Sagar Jogiyani (20) at stumps.

Gajendra took two wickets for the visitors, giving away 104 runs.