Ranji Trophy: Hattrick of tons for Cheteshwar Pujara

Continuing his brilliant run, Cheteshwar Pujara scored 152 not out to lead Saurashtra’s fightback against Tamil Nadu on the third day of their Ranji Trophy tie.

Continuing his brilliant run, Cheteshwar Pujara scored 152 not out to lead Saurashtra’s fightback against Tamil Nadu on the third day of their Ranji Trophy tie. Pujara’s 25th first-class ton and his 260-run unbeaten fourth wicket partnership with skipper Jaydev Shah (133*) ensures the game enters the final day with chances of not seeing a decision even on the basis of the first innings lead.

Tamil Nadu had declared at 565 for 8 and Saurashtra were 326 for the loss of three wickets at stumps on Saturday.

Testing spell
Pujara, who had walked in to bat on Friday evening, negotiated a testing spell early morning by L Balaji, who got help from overcast conditions. Once that phase was seen off, Pujara played with ease as the wicket got easy and Tamil Nadu bowlers struggled to make a breakthrough.

Pujara came into this match on the back of two successive centuries — against West Indies in the Mumbai Test and against Bengal in a Ranji game.

Earlier in the season, Pujara had made 306* for India A against the West Indies A at Hubli.