Ranji Trophy: Saurashtra take first-innings lead against Jharkhand

The writing on the wall was clear on Day 2 itself. And the Day 3 proceedings unfolded on the expected lines as Jharkhand conceded the first-innings lead to Saurashtra in their Ranji Trophy match of Elite Group D at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Friday.

Resuming on 201/4, Saurashtra batters Harvik Desai and Arpit Vasavada proceeded from their overnight position on Day 2 to amass 386, establishing a substantial 80-run first-innings lead. Both exhibited measured batting whilst Jharkhand bowlers toiled hard from the outset.

Having conceded the first-innings lead, Jharkhand progressed to 74/1 from 20 overs in their second innings, trailing Saurashtra by 6 runs going into the final day of the four-day game.

Earlier, Desai achieved his seventh first-class century whilst seasoned campaigner Vasavada registered his 28th half-century as the pair constructed a 199-run partnership for the fifth wicket to bolster Saurashtra’s robust response.

Vasavada (73 off 169 balls, 7 fours) departed on the final delivery before lunch with the scoreboard displaying 314/5. Desai followed shortly after lunch, crafting 155 off 263 deliveries, studded with 23 fours.

Excluding Prerak Mankad’s 56-ball 40, the remaining lower middle order batters failed to produce noteworthy contributions as Saurashtra surrendered their final three wickets without adding runs, culminating at 386.

Jharkhand left-arm spinner Manishi claimed 3/75 whilst his senior spin colleague Anukul Roy secured 2/33. Medium pacers Vikas Kumar took 3/74, including Vasavada’s wicket, whilst Vivekanand Tiwari acquired 2/80.

Openers Nazim Siddiquie (32) and Saharandeep Singh (26 batting) provided the hosts with a solid foundation until the former was run out towards the day’s end. Sharandeep and Utkarsh Singh (10 batting) remain unbeaten at the crease.

Much will depend on the home side batters as Jharkhand look to thwart any push by the former champions for an outright win on the last day. As for Saurashtra, they can give their faltering season a timely boost if they manage to eke out a remarkable win here. But for that, captain Jaydev Unadkat-led bowling attack needs to fold the hosts early on the last day.

Brief scores (In Ranchi):
Jharkhand 306 & 74/1 in 20 overs (Nazim Siddiquie 32, Sharandeep Singh 26 batting). Saurashtra (o/n 201/4) 386 in 108.3 overs (Harvik Desai 155, Arpit Vasavada 73; Vikas Kumar 3/74, Manishi 3/75). Match to continue.