Kotak, Parmar help Saurashtra draw with Mumbai

Two invaluable half centuries by skipper Sitanshu Kotak and wicketkeeper MM Parmar and their 111 run partnership for the fifth wicket saw Saurashtra escape with a draw in their West Zone Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

Chasing an unlikely target of 487 runs, Saurashtra who were 33 without loss at stumps on the third day lost wickets at regular intervals and were facing a heavy defeat at 55 for four wickets. Paras Mhambrey and Abhey Kuruvilla, who had caused most of the damage in the first innings shared the wickets. However Kotak and Parmar by careful batting initiated a recovery process. The two ultimately added 111 runs off 39.2 overs before the captain was out for 52. Kotak displayed concentration and concentration for 224 minutes. He faced 169 balls and hit five fours. Parmar followed a few overs later. His 67 was compiled off 128 balls and he hit nine fours and a six. Tailenders DN Chudasama and N Odedra consumed valuable time in scoring 13 and 12 runs respectively. While Chudasama batted 87 minutes, faced 64 balls and hit two fours, Odedra batted 107 minutes, faced 69 balls and hit one four. When stumps were finally drawn, Saurashtra were 206 for eight off 106 overs. Mhambrey and Kuruvilla took three wickets each. Mumbai earned five points and Saurashtra three.