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B D Thaker's strokeful unbeaten 151-run knock helped Gujarat reach a strong 291 runs for five against Punjab on day one of their Ranji Trophy group A Super League match at Sardar Patel stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad [Images] on Saturday.

Host skipper Parthiv Patel also contributed with a brilliant 84 runs to help his team recover from a poor start after deciding to bat first.

Openers P K Panchal (1) and N D Modi (0) failed to provide a good start to their team and departure of N K Patel (0) left Gujarat in tatters.

Manpreet Gony (2/61) removed Panchal and Patel to give Punjab a dream start.

However, Thaker then got into the rescue act and produced a gritty innings to lift his team from the pits along with his skipper with whom he stitched a 162-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Thakers' unconquered innings was studded with 21 fours and three sixes after facing 266 balls.

He was well supported by D M Popat (45), who was trapped by Gony and ending a vital 125-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Gagandeep Singh (2/57) and Charanjit Singh (1/68) were the other wicket takers for Punjab.