Niranjan Godbole and Hrishikesh Kanitkar scored majestic centuries to take Maharashtra to a position of strength at the end of Day Three of their Ranji Trophy league match against Saurashtra at Pune.

Frustrated at the start of Day Two by a resolute last-wicket partnership for Saurashtra, the home side finally bowled their rivals out for 331, with the final pair putting on 84 runs.

Maharashtra started their innings badly, with opener JS Narse falling with no score on the board. Thereafter, however, it was the home side all the way. Kanitkar and Godbole put on 316 runs for the second wicket before the former fell, having made a fine 140 off 214 balls, with 18 fours. His partner fell 19 runs later, having scored 186 off 284 balls; Godbole thus ensured his side the vital first-innings lead.

Abhijit Kale further consolidated his team's position by making a fine 58, and smaller innings further down the order took Maharashtra's total to 507 on the third day. Facing a deficit of 176, Saurashtra made a brave reply, ending the third day on 112/2, with opener Sujith Somasunder making a brisk 70 off 97 balls, striking 12 fours before being dismissed.

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