Saurashtra whipped Maharashtra by seven wickets with 4.3 overs to spare to open their campaign on a stirring note in the inaugural West Zone Twenty20 round robin tournament at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Saurashtra first restricted their rivals to 116 in 18.3 overs by triggering a collapse when Maharashtra seemed poised to set a bigger score. They then scored 119 for the loss of three wickets by riding on opener Chirag Pathak's fluent 31 and Cheteshwar Pujara's quickfire 22-ball unbeaten 43.
Maharashtra opted to bat first after winning the toss, but they were soon struggling at a score of 68 for three.
Number four batsman Yogesh Takawale top scored with 35 after having scored a half century against Gujarat in their lung opener on Tuesday. He also put on 52 runs for the third wicket with Pravin Deshetty (27).
Saurashtra medium pacer Sandeep Maniyar grabbed 2 for 15 while off-spinners Kamlesh Makwana and skipper Jaydev Shah also picked up two wickets apiece to help skittle out their rivals cheaply.
Left handed opener Pathak hit two fours in 36 balls to lay a good foundation for Saurashtra which was utilised fruitfully by Pujara, who struck five fours and a six and also guided them home by adding 47 runs for the unfinished fourth wicket partnership with seasoned campaigner Sitanshu Kotak (8 not out).
It was Maharashtra's second straight loss while Saurashtra got four points from their easy victory.
Scores: Maharashtra 116 all out in 18.3 overs (Yogesh Takawale 35, Pravin Deshetty 27; Sandeep Maniyar 2 for 15, Kamlesh Makwana 2 for 27, Jaydev Shah 2 for 11) lost to Saurashtra 119 for 3 in 15.3 overs (Chirag Pathak 31,R Cheteshwar Pujara 43 not out) by seven wickets.
