Gujarat’s Samit Gohel creates world record for highest score by opener

Gujarat batsman Samit Gohel created a world record in the ongoing Ranji Trophy quarter-final match against Odisha by notching up the highest score by an opener in the history of first-class cricket on Tuesday.

The 26-year old Gohel remained unbeaten on 359 as he bettered the 117-year old record set by Surrey’s Bobby Abel who scored 357 not out against Somerset at The Oval in 1899.

Gohel has also become the fourth triple centurion in the history of first-class cricket to carry his bat through the innings.

Gohel’s 723-ball stay at the crease saw him hitting 45 fours and a six as Gujarat were all out for 641 in their second innings and setting a mammoth target of 706 runs for Odisha on the final day.

He is also the second Gujarat batsman to have scored a triple century after Priyank Panchal achieved the feat last month. Gohel is the fifth batsman to score a triple-century this Ranji season.