Ajay Lalcheta played a stellar role in Saurashtra taking the first innings points against Maharashtra in their West Zone Vijay Merchant (under-16) Trophy game which concluded in Pune on Wednesday.

Lalcheta took five wickets for 63 from 47 overs as Maharashtra were dismissed for 258 in reply to Saurashtra's first innings total of 366. He broke the fifth wicket partnership between Yogesh Takavale and Parag More which was assuming threatening proportions. Coming together on the second evening with the score 61 for four, the two carried stayed on till 242 when Lalcheta had Takawale caught by Goswami for 74. The partnership had put on 181 runs from 98 overs. Takawale faced 292 balls and hit nine fours. Once this stand was broken there was a sharp collapse and the last six wickets fell for the addition of only 16 runs in 19.3 overs. Among those who fell was More who faced 317 balls for his 81 hitting ten fours. Saurashtra in their second innings were 61 for three at final draw of stumps.

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