Ahmedabad: Smit Patel, Priyank Kirit Panchal and Rujul Bhatt struck fifties to steer Gujarat to a five-wicket win over Baroda in a high-scoring West Zone match of the Vijay Hazare one-day tournament.
Patel (54), Panchal (81) and Bhatt (89 not out) helped Gujarat get past Baroda's 313 for seven with just three balls to spare.
The effort of Baroda batsmen Saurabh Wakaskar (61), Yusuf Pathan (75) and Hardik Pandya (69) went in vain.
Baroda's big score was always within reach of Gujarat with Patel and Panchal sharing 101 runs for the opening wicket, providing an ideal platform for the steep chase.
Bhatt remained till the end and got good support from Jesal Karia, who remained unbeaten on 42 off 34 balls.
Baroda skipper Pathan played a solid knock but it was not enough to get his team over the line. He hammered seven fours and two sixes.
It was Gujarat's second win in as many games while Baroda are yet to taste a win in the tournament.
Brief scores: Baroda 313 for seven (Saurabh Wakaskar 61, Yusuf Pathan 75 and Hardik Pandya 69; Jesal Karia 3/45) lost to Gujarat by five wickets (Smit Patel 54, Priyank Kirit Panchal 81, Rujul Bhatt 89 not out; Pathan 2/50).
