Ranji Trophy: Gujarat Dominates Saurashtra in Sheldon Jackson's Farewell Match

Rajkot, Feb 11 (NationPress) Gujarat has made a powerful entry into the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time since the 2019-20 season, achieving a stunning innings and 98-run victory over Saurashtra at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Tuesday. A commanding all-round performance allowed Gujarat to outshine the hosts in every aspect, dismissing Saurashtra for 197 in their second innings well before tea on Day 4.

Even though the Rajkot pitch showed no significant signs of decline, Saurashtra’s batting lineup faltered once more, echoing their first innings collapse of 216. In stark contrast, Gujarat had set a gigantic total of 511, built on remarkable centuries from Urvil Patel and Jaymeet Patel, a score that ultimately proved too much for the hosts to chase.

On the concluding day, Priyajitsinh Jadeja and Arzan Nagwaswalla led Gujarat’s charge, taking seven wickets between them to crush Saurashtra’s hopes of a comeback. The tall medium-pacer Priyajitsinh returned impressive figures of 4-32, while left-arm seamer Nagwaswalla, utilizing reverse swing, tore through the middle order with a devastating spell.

Starting the day at 33 for no loss, Saurashtra appeared promising as Harvik Desai executed a few exquisite drives, including one past deep backward point off Nagwaswalla. Desai fought valiantly for his 54, but once Chirag Jani misplayed a pull shot off Priyajitsinh in the 28th over, the innings began to crumble.

Saurashtra’s veteran player Cheteshwar Pujara had a match to forget, scoring just two runs in the very next over. Attempting to flick a half-volley on middle and leg stump, he instead found Nagwaswalla at square leg, much to Gujarat’s delight.

Chintan Gaja, Gujarat’s captain, re-entered the attack in the 36th over and immediately made an impact by inducing an outside edge from Harvik Desai, further shattering Saurashtra’s resistance.

As wickets fell continuously, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi joined the attack, claiming the crucial wicket of Sheldon Jackson, who was playing his final domestic match. Jackson, ending an illustrious domestic career, was bowled after edging a drive onto his stumps, marking a disappointing conclusion to his farewell game.

Nagwaswalla truly came into his element on either side of the lunch break, using the older ball to devastating effect. His lethal spell saw him dismiss Arpit Vasavada, Prerak Mankad, and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, all victims of his skilful reverse swing.

With no heroics from the lower order to save Saurashtra, Gujarat’s bowlers wrapped up the match in a commanding manner, securing a significant victory that underlines their title ambitions.

Gujarat’s dominating performance, highlighted by a clinical batting display and relentless bowling attack, now sets the stage for an exciting semifinal clash. Led by Gaja, the team aims to maintain their momentum as they pursue their second Ranji Trophy title, having previously won the coveted trophy in 2016-17.

For Saurashtra, it was an uncharacteristic collapse, and despite moments of promise, their campaign concluded in disappointment. The exit of Sheldon Jackson adds an emotional note to their departure, as one of their most dependable stalwarts left on a losing note.

Brief score:

Saurashtra 216 & 197 in 62.1 overs (Harvik Desai 54, Jaydev Unadkat 29; Priyajitsinh Jadeja 4-32, Arzan Nagwaswalla 3-54) lost to Gujarat 511 by an innings and 98 runs.