Irani Trophy: Saha announces his return with attacking ton, Rest take control

Mumbai: Wriddhiman Saha made life difficult for Indian skipper Virat Kohli by slamming an attacking century to take Rest of India of India within touching distance of lifting the Irani Cup, while the opposition captain and his No. 1 contender Parthiv Patel looked helpless behind the stumps. India’s first choice wicket-keeper, Saha had to sit out of the last three Tests against England due to an untimely injury, which paved way for Parthiv Patel. The Gujarat captain’s sturdy performances against the three lions and his match winning 131 that led Gujarat to the Ranji Trophy title after 66 years made him a strong contender for the keeper’s slot in the Indian Test side. But Saha had other ideas, he could not have timed his hundred better as he sent out a strong message to the Indian think tank through his brilliant batting. Coming to the crease at no. 6 when Rest were tottering at 63 for 4, chasing 379 for victory, 32-year-old Saha counter-attacked brilliantly to remain unconquered on 123 off 214 balls, with 3 sixes and 16 fours, in a close of play score of 266 for four in 84 overs at the Brabourne Stadium. Pujara, who had top-scored with 86 in Rest's first innings total of 226 in reply to the Ranji champions' 358, was at the other end on 83 in 181 balls, by batting in his customary calm and collected fashion. Rest, who conceded a lead of 132 runs in the first innings, were 113 runs short of the target with six wickets in hand going into the final day of the match on Tuesday. The fifth wicket duo's unfinished stand of 203 runs in 59.4 overs rescued Rest after they had lost the wickets of openers Akhil Herwadkar (20) and Abhinav Mukund (19), both before lunch, and also those of Karun Nair (7) and Manoj Tiwary (7) before the first hour after lunch. He took the Gujarat attack by its scruff with splendid shots, quite a few of them lofted ones, down the ground to race past Pujara and was on 68 to his captain's 46 in a tea-time score of 169 for four. He later completed his 11th first class hundred, including one in the St Lucia Test last year against the West Indies, by lofting Gujarat medium pacer Chintan Gaja for a four to long off in 183 minutes and off 157 balls, laced with 14 fours and 2 sixes. In the morning, Gujarat lost their remaining two second innings wickets while adding 19 runs to overnight 227 for 8 in 50 minutes to leave Rest with one hour and five sessions to go for a win. Scores: Gujarat 358 and 246 ( P Panchal 73, Chirag Gandhi 70; S Kaul 3 for 70, S Nadeem 4 for 64). Rest of India 226 and 266 for 4 (C Pujara 83 not out, W Saha 123 not out; Hardik Patel 2 for 59).