Ranji Trophy: Saurashtra, Bengal inch closer to final

Resuming at his overnight score of 112, Vasavada made 202 off 406 balls while Chirag Jani scored 72 to help Saurashtra finish their first innings at a massive 527 in reply to Karnataka’s 407

Skipper Arpit Vasavada hit a double century as Saurashtra took a crucial 120-run first innings lead against Karnataka to put one foot in the Ranji Trophy final here on Saturday.

Resuming at his overnight score of 112, Vasavada made 202 off 406 balls while Chirag Jani scored 72 to help Saurashtra finish their first innings at a massive 527 in reply to Karnataka’s 407.

Kaverappa picks five

Pacer Vidwath Kaverappa (5-83) took five wickets for the home team. If the match ends in a draw, Saurashtra will qualify for the final by virtue of their first innings lead. Karnataka ended the fourth day at 123 for four with skipper Mayank Agarwal, double centurion in the first essay, scoring a quick 64-ball 55 before falling to Dharmendrasinh Jadeja.

Nikin Jose was holding the fort for Karnataka at stumps. He was unbeaten on 54 off 74 balls, having hit six boundaries. 

In the other semis, Bengal virtually assured their Ranji Trophy final berth for the second time in three seasons after stretching their overall lead to a massive 547 runs against defending champions Madhya Pradesh. 

Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Sheldon Jackson, Arpit Vasavada tons help Saurashtra take charge

Mammoth lead for Bengal

Bengal, who had a big first innings lead of 268 runs, decided against declaring their second essay and ended the penultimate day on 279 for nine. 

Even if the semi-final ends in a draw on the fifth day on Sunday, Bengal will make it to the final on the basis of first innings lead. 

First innings centurion Anustup Majumdar, who was overnight nine, got out for 80 when he was dismissed by left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya in a dubious LBW decision. 

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