Ranji Trophy 2022-23: Pujara milestone notwithstanding, Saurashtra handed first loss of tournament by Andhra

Cheteshwar Pujara’s battling half-century (91, 146b, 11×4) went in useless as Andhra recorded a 150-run win over Saurashtra of their sixth-round Ranji Trophy match on the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Friday.

While it has secured the knockout spot, Saurashtra’s first defeat has put its prime spot in jeopardy. With 26 factors in Elite Group B, it’s nonetheless forward in a three-way race as second-placed Mumbai faces third-ranked Maharashtra within the final spherical.

Resuming from 10 for one in its 343-run chase on the ultimate day, Saurashtra faltered early as Pujara buckled as much as rescue his staff. After being castled by Andhra pacer Nitish Kumar for 5 within the first innings on Day 2, Pujara spent the subsequent two mornings with particular batting classes within the follow nets on the venue.

Pujara lifted the scoring alongside Sheldon Jackson in a passage of half-hour that raised hopes for Saurashtra, however his efforts went in useless as Saurashtra slumped to its first lack of the event this season.

Nightwatchman Chetan Sakariya’s dismissal introduced Pujara to the center within the seventh over of the day. A involved Saurashtra fan rapidly voiced expectations of a “Gabba 2021” repeat as Pujara walked down from the dressing room.

Pujara lifted the scoring alongside Sheldon Jackson in a passage of half-hour that raised hopes for Saurashtra. He acquired in excellent positions to counter the size in opposition to his first-innings nemesis Nitish, who tried a internet of close-in on-side fielders once more. Pujara’s trademark flick via mid-wicket and a rasping sq. lower off Nitish prompted Andhra captain Hanuma Vihari to fall again to spin. While Pujara batted out overs with a string of fours and efficient operating, Lalith Mohan and Shoaib Khan took out the middle-order inside 23 overs on both facet of Lunch.

Shortly after reaching a milestone 12,000th run in First-Class cricket in India within the second session, Pujara flailed a fuller supply from Shoaib straight to the quick mid-wicket fielder. Lalith then nailed the match as he castled Dharmendrasinh Jadeja for his sixth wicket and bundled the host for 192. The left-arm spinner ended with match figures of 11 for 129 and was adjudged the Player of the Match.

While Andhra hosts Assam subsequent week, Saurashtra will journey south to satisfy Tamil Nadu in Chennai. Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s anticipated comeback match will now be greater than a stage for a health take a look at for himself and Saurashtra.