Ranji Trophy: Saurashtra advances into the semi-finals, with a 71-run triumph over Punjab
Saurashtra have advanced to the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 with a 71-run triumph over Punjab in the quarter-final clash at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
It was the only quarter-final game that went to the fifth day as both teams were determined to cross the line. Needing 200 to win with eight wickets in hand, Punjab could only add 128 to its overnight score. However, Saurashtra eventually emerged winners, having successfully defended 251.
Saurashtra will now face off against Karnataka in the semi-final starting from February 8 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Punjab’s left-arm spinner Vinay Choudhary recorded his best FC figures 7/149 in Saurashtra’s second innings. He now owns 87 wickets in 24 FC games at a 27-plus average (5 five-wicket hauls). In the ongoing season, he has scalped 13 wickets. However, his efforts went in vain as his team couldn’t manage to go the target. Hence, Punjab’s dream for second title was vanished.
Ranji Trophy Quarterfinals, Saurashtra vs Punjab: Highlights
Saurashtra won the toss and opted to bat in Rajkot. Parth Bhut’s century helped them post 303 in their first outing.
Punjab, in reply, mustered 431 on the board with Prabhsimran Singh and Naman Dhir smoking tons.
Saurashtra managed 379 in their second outing as Vinay Choudhary recorded a seven-fer.
Punjab were folded for 180 in their second innings with Mandeep Singh scoring 45.
Parth Bhut’s all round show helps Saurashtra pull off a remarkable come-from-behind victory over Punjab
Batting at number nine, Parth Bhut scored his maiden First-Class century in Saurashtra’s first innings, an unbeaten 155-ball 111. He backed his ton with a 68-ball 51. The all-rounder now owns 321 runs in eight games at 32.1. Parth, who also bowls left-arm spin, took eight wickets in the game including a fifer in the second innings. He now tallies 19 FC wickets.
Moreover, Saurashtra’s left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja scalped a total of eight wickets in the game including a five-fer in Punjab’s first innings. With 37 wickets in eight games, he is Saurashtra’s leading wicket-taker this season. Overall, he owns 293 wickets in 72 FC games (17 five-fers).
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