B D Thaker's strokeful unbeaten 151-run knock helped Gujarat reach a strong 291 runs for five against Punjab on day one of their Ranji Trophy group A Super League match at Sardar Patel stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Host skipper Parthiv Patel also contributed with a brilliant 84 runs to help his team recover from a poor start after deciding to bat first.
Openers P K Panchal (1) and N D Modi (0) failed to provide a good start to their team and departure of N K Patel (0) left Gujarat in tatters.
Manpreet Gony (2/61) removed Panchal and Patel to give Punjab a dream start.
However, Thaker then got into the rescue act and produced a gritty innings to lift his team from the pits along with his skipper with whom he stitched a 162-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Thakers' unconquered innings was studded with 21 fours and three sixes after facing 266 balls.
He was well supported by D M Popat (45), who was trapped by Gony and ending a vital 125-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Gagandeep Singh (2/57) and Charanjit Singh (1/68) were the other wicket takers for Punjab.