Jalaj Saxena. Courtesy: Kerala Cricket AssociationThiruvananthapuram: Jalaj Saxena continued his great run as Kerala tightened their grip on the Ranji Trophy Group B game against Team Rajasthan here on Thursday.
Saxena, who picked up 8/85 to help Kerala bowl out Rajasthan for 243 in their first innings and gain a lead of 92, slammed an unbeaten 102 in the second essay. The opener has put on 159 runs for the unbroken third-wicket stand in the company of Sanju Samson (72 batting).
Saxena scored his 12th ton in first class cricket. The right-hander has so far hit nine fours in his 146-ball knock. Sanju scored runs at a fair clip and the youngster's 90-ball innings contained seven hits to the fence.
The home side has an overall lead of 309 runs at stumps on the third and penultimate day of the match. Kerala will be looking for an early declaration on the final day and then hope to bowl out the visitors for an outright win.
Rajasthan, who resumed on 134/6, reached 243, thanks largely to Tajinder Singh Dhillon (44), Rajesh Bishnoi (39) and Deepak Chahar (31).
Brief scores: Kerala 335 and 217/2 in 46 overs (Jalaj Saxena 102 batting, Sanju Samson 72 batting) vs Team Rajasthan 243 all out in 82.3 overs (Dishant Yagnik 62; Jalaj Saxena 8/85).
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