From correspondents in Tamil Nadu, India, 02:30 AM IST

Tamil Nadu XI snatched a vital 15-run first innings lead over Saurashtra at the end of the penultimate day's play in the All-India Buchi Babu Memorial cricket tournament, here Thursday.

Replying to Saurashtra's total of 357 for nine in 90 overs, Tamil Nadu made 372 for six. On the concluding day Friday, each team will bat for 40 overs.

Opener M. Vijay compiled a near-flawless 140 and was instrumental in the home team's staying in the hunt. Along with Napoleon Einstein (84), Vijay added 150 runs for the third wicket.

Late in the day, after the exit of Vijay and Einstein, Saurashtra seemed to have the upper hand before the Tamil Nadu lower middle-order batsmen, K.H. Gopinath (35 not out) and R. Ashwin (19 not out) ensured that the hosts had their nose in front at the end of the allotted 90 overs.

Brief scores:

Saurashtra 357 for 9 in 90 overs vs Tamil Nadu XI 372 for 6 in 90 overs (M. Vijay 140, Napoleon Einstein 84, K.H. Gopinath 35 not out, Ravindra Jadeja 2 for 140, Rakesh Dhruve 2 for 118).

(Staff Writer, © IANS)