Opener Priyank Kirit Panchal cracked an unbeaten 144 to propel Gujarat to 283 for three in their first innings against Jharkhand on the first day of the Ranji Trophy semi - final here on Sunday.
Gujarat batted around the 26 - year - old, who registered his 11th century in First - Class cricket and fifth of this Ranji season.
It was a matter of continuing his brilliant form Panchal has shown in this Ranji Trophy campaign.
Prior to this match, he had amassed 1, 120 runs and Sunday's fluent knock stemmed from a player who batted with high confidence.
His well - paced unbeaten knock studded with 21 fours at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Ground.
Right - hander Panchal shared three crucial partnerships - - with Samit Gohel (18), Bhargav Merai (39) and captain Parthiv Patel (62).
The opening partnership between Gohel lasted for 62 runs - - a strong foundation.
Gohel, who in the quarter - final recorded a mighty 359 not out, fell to left - arm pacer Vikash Singh.
Panchal then joined hands with Merai and the duo managed to stitch a 65 - run stand which gave Gujarat a strong position.
Merai was caught by wicket - keeper Ishan Kishan off a delivery from Vikash.
Panchal was then joined by India Test wicket - keeper Parthiv, who kept the positivity going, keeping the pressure on Jharkhand bowlers with regular fours.
The left - right combination forged a 139 - run stand for the third wicket to put their side on the top.
Left - hander Parthiv recorded his 55th fifty in First - Class cricket as he and Panchal kept the maiden semi - finalists at bay.
Right - arm medium pacer Kaushal Singh brought an end to the partnership when he got a LBW decision against Parthiv, who hit six fours and a six.
With the team's score at 266 - 3, Manpreet Juneja (12 not out) came to the middle and remained unbeaten alongside Panchal to take Gujarat to 283 - 3 at the end of the first day.
Brief scores: Gujarat 283 - 3 (Priyank Kirit Panchal 144 not out, Parthiv Patel 62; Vikash Singh 2 - 48) vs Jharkhand on Day 1.
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