Ranji Quarters: Saurashtra enter semifinals.
Parth Bhut's picked up eight wickets in the match to lead Saurashtra to a 71-run victory. Bhut had a great time in the match, both with the bat and the ball.
After five-days of high intensity cricket, Saurashtra rode on Parth Bhut's maiden five -for 89 to defeat Punjab by 71 runs and storm into the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy. By defeating Punjab, Saurashtra become the fourth team to qualify for the semifinals on Saturday. Needing 200 to win with eight wickets in hand, Punjab could only add 128 to its overnight score as Saurashtra won the match by 71 runs.
The left-arm spin duo of Dharmadresinh Jadeja and Parth Bhut helped Saurashtra rout Punjab for just 180 in their second innings. Pukhraj Mann held the fort with a 119-ball 42 to help set a base initially but his dismissal opened the flood-gates.
Chasing 252-a tricky target on a surface that aided the spinners as the day progressed-Punjab resumed the proceedings on 52 for two with debutant Pukhraj Mann and nightwatchman Siddharth Kaul around. But off the last ball of the fifth over, Bhut pitched it fuller outside off and even though Kaul defended it on the front-foot, he ended up getting an outside edge and was caught by Vishvaraj Jadeja at Slip.
As the Saurashtra players rejoiced, Punjab hoped for a turnaround but, with captain Mandeep caught at gully and Mayank Markande allowing Bhut to complete his five-for after offering an edge to Prerak Mankad at first slip, Punjab's chances of making it to the last-four went up in the smoke as it was bundled out for 180.Earlier three teams-Bengal, Karanataka, Madhya Pradesh won their quarterfinal matches and sealed their place in the last-four stage of the competition.
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