Gujarat edge out Andhra

The Andhra challenge, which had been resuscitated by a dramatic ninth wicket partnership between RVC Prasad and Hemal Watekar, fizzled out after the two men departed early on the fifth morning. Their dismissals secured Gujarat the all-important first innings lead and a berth in the Ranji quarter-finals where they will meet Bengal.

The remainder of the day's play at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad still had its exciting moments. A patient unbeaten 75 from opener Narender Modi was what saved Gujarat the blushes of being dismissed for a paltry score in the second innings; the home team reaching 174 for eight when play was called off.

Railways ease into quarter-finals

Railways, who had secured a massive first innings lead over Delhi, settled for batting practice on the final day at the Karnail Singh Stadium, Delhi. A hundred from Yere Goud and hundreds from JP Yadav and TP Singh saw their team post 314 for four in the second innings when play was called off. Railways will now clash with Tamil Nadu in the Ranji quarterfinals which will again be played at Delhi.

Yadav made 80, Singh 64 and Goud, an unbeaten 101, as Railways put the Delhi bowlers through the wringer. Goud, the backbone of the Railways batting, brought up his ton in good time, his 162-ball knock being studded with 15 rasping hits to the fence.

The rest of Ranji quarter-final draw reads as follows: Baroda take on Hyderabad at Baroda while Punjab await the winners of Orissa-Uttar Pradesh clash.

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