Saurashtra returns in second innings, Punjab 200 runs away from target
Skipper Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, Prerak Mankad and Parth Bhut struck half-centuries as Saurashtra bounced back into the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals on the fourth day against Punjab here on Friday. Saurashtra, who lost the first innings lead to Punjab, came back to score 379 runs in the second innings, setting a target of 252 runs for the victory of the rival team. Vasavada (77 runs) and Jani (77 runs) shared a 160-run partnership for the fifth wicket, followed by Mankad (88 runs) and Bhut (51 runs) with a crucial 92-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
Punjab had scored 52 runs by losing two wickets at stumps, due to which they will have to score 200 runs to win on the fifth day and they have eight wickets left. Pukhraj Mann 17 and night watchman Siddharth Kaul are at the crease after scoring two runs. The pitch offers plenty of bounce and 2020 Ranji champions Saurashtra will look to get the job done on Saturday. On the other hand, Punjab will need a special batting effort to reach the semi-finals.
Saurashtra achieved success by dismissing Punjab openers Prabhsimran Singh and Naman Dhir. Both of them scored centuries in the first innings to help Punjab score 431 runs. Left-arm spinner Parth Bhut first dismissed Dhir and then Prabhasimran became his second victim in the final over before stumps.
