Gujarat emerged triumphant in the West Zone Vijay Hazare trophy match against Baroda.
Gujarat won by 73 runs at the Madhavrao Scindia cricket ground in Rajkot, on the back of a spectacular half century by Rohit Bhatt and all-round performance by Jesal Karia.
Gujarat made 239 for 8 after they won the toss and opted to bat first.
In response, Baroda could pull off merely 166 runs in 38.2 overs.
This was the third consecutive win by Gujarat team.
Gujarat had a shaky start and lost openers Parthiv Patel (0) and Dhruve Raval (0) in a quick succession.
However, Rohit Bhatt came to rescue of his side and smashed 86 runs facing 108 balls with six boundaries.
He was supported by Akshar Patel (37) and Jesal Karia (53) as Gujarat managed to post 239 runs.
For Baroda, Munaf Patel and Murtuza Vahora took two wickets each conceding 57 runs and 34 runs, respectively.
Gujarat bowlers responded well and bundled out Baroda for 166.
Only four Baroda batsmen, namely Irfan Pathan (79), Vikram Solanki (30), J Caya (15) and Yusuf Pathan (10) could cross the double digit mark.
While chasing the target, Baroda were reduced to 38 for 5 in first eight overs. But fighting 79 runs by Irfan Pathan and his 72-run partnership with Vikaram Solanki (30) helped Baroda to reduce the defeat margin.
Karia, who made 53 in Gujarat batting, dismissed Pathan and Munaf Patel (0), while Jasprit Bumrah finished with three for 37 runs.
Brief score: Gujarat 239 for 8 (Rohit Bhatt 86, Jesal Karia 53, Murtuza Vahora 2-34, Munaf Patel 2-57)
Baroda 166 all out off 38.2 overs(Irfan Pathan 79, Vikram Solanki 30, Jasprit Bumrah 3-37, Jesal karia 2-12).
Image: Munaf Patel
Photograph: Jayanta Shaw/Reuters
