Sun shines on Rajasthan imports Solanki and Ali

Even on Friday, in the second innings he began elegantly for his 20 runs which included two hits to the ropes, one exquisitely driven through the covers and the other, a pull-shot on the back foot through the mid-wicket region.

Speedster Kabir Ali has bowled far below his usual self so far in the match. Though he claimed two wickets including that of a tailender in his 18 overs, he appeared to struggle to find his rhythm. On the eve of the match, Kabir had said, 8220;The climatic conditions here are vastly different from England.

It8217;s hot and humid here. Besides, because of the conditions, there is less swing here as compared to that in England.8221; Well, we have to see how soon he adjusts to the conditions here.

The duo will also have to acclimatise themselves to the unruly crowd here. Solanki got a dose of Indian audience on Friday. As he was returning to the pavilion, visibly upset with the lbw decison given against him, a little kid from the stand near the dressing room screamed out to him. Obviously not too happy, it was a finger-on-the-lip that Solanki gestured back.

But the hosts could not capitalise on the shortcomings as they were bowled out for 128 runs in their first innings, giving Rajasthan a lead of 76 runs.

Gujarat batsmen were reluctant to play shots and could not apply themseleves properly on a track that returned consistent bounce.

Brief scores: Rajasthan 204 and 134/5 in 40 overs G Khoda 68 no vs Gujarat 128 in 73 overs Nilesh Modi 30, Pankaj Singh 3/26, S Mathur 3/34, Kabir Ali 2/41.