Saurashtra chase down record target
LUCKNOW: It was a first for opener Harvik Desai and Saurashtra. Last year’s under-19 World Cupwinning star notched up his maiden first-class century as Saurashtra defeated hosts and former champions Uttar Pradesh for the first time in eight meetings in Ranji Trophy on Saturday to enter the semi-final.
Needing 177 to win on the fifth and final day of their quarterfinal here, Saurashtra, riding high on Harvik’s century and unbeaten half centuries by Cheteshwar Pujara and Sheldon Jackson, inflicted a six-wicket defeat on the home side at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium.
Saurashtra reached the 372run target, achieving the biggest-ever fourth-innings chase in Ranji Trophy. Resuming on his overnight 83, the 19-year-old Harvik — he and fellow opener Snell Patel (72) had raised a 132- run opening stand on Day 4 — reached 116 (259b, 16x4) before being caught behind off left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar.
Minutes before Harvik’s departure, Saurashtra lost the other overnight batsman Kamlesh Makwana (7), caught by Mohammad Saif off Yash Dayal. It didn’t make a difference to India’s new ‘batting wall’ Pujara, who stroked an unbeaten 67 (110b, 9x4) to steer the team home in 115.1 overs.
It was an altogether different Pujara, who had been dismissed for 11 in the first innings as he scored his 50th first-class halfcentury, in his 186th match.
Jackson (73no – 109b, 11x4), who struck his 24th first-class half-century, was in an aggressive mood. He smashed the bowlers, especially spinners, for powerfully-hit boundaries and lofted Saurabh for a six. He also scored the winning run, cutting Saif to the point boundary.
VIDARBHA WIN
In Nagpur, Umesh Yadav captured a five-wicket haul to help Vidarbha dismiss Uttarakhand for 159 in the second innings and complete an innings and 115-run win in the other quarter-final. The India pacer, back after the Test-series win in Australia, claimed a match haul of 9/113.
Uttarakhand, 152/5 overnight, lost the last five wickets for seven runs in eight overs. IN LUCKNOW:
Uttar Pradesh 385 & 194; Saurashtra 208 & 372/4 in 115.1 overs (H Desai 116, S Patel 72, C Pujara 67*, S Jackson 73*). Saurashtra won by six wickets. IN NAGPUR:
Pujara’s presence has been a great support. He kept telling everyone about the comeback formula, especially about the five-day game. Karnataka vs Saurashtra at Bangalore
Kerala vs Vidarbha at Wayanad.