Bangalore, Nov 16 (IANS): A gritty unbeaten 121 (220b, 19x4) by Bhargav Merai powered Gujarat to 373 for six in their first innings for a lead of 67 runs over Karnataka as bad light and rains stopped play on the third and penultimate day of the Group A Ranji Trophy league match here Saturday.

Merai’s innings proved crucial for Gujarat who at one stage were 185 for five on the second day. However, Merai and Akshar Patel (39) went on to add 87 runs for the sixth wicket after the visitors started Day three on 216 for five.

Later, Merai and Rakesh Dhruv (41 batting) put on 101 for the unfinished seventh wicket when bad light curtailed play. The pair also carried Gujarat past Karnataka’s total of 306 to ensure a first innings lead.

Brief scores:
Karnataka (1st innings): 306 all out in 104.1 overs vs Gujarat (1st innings): 373 for 6 in 120 overs (Samit Gohil 38, Parthiv Patel 83, Bhargav Merai 121 not out, Akshar Patel 39, Rakesh Dhruv 41 not out, Abhimanyu Mithun 2 for 82, KP Appanna 2 for 96).