Ranji Trophy: Saurashtra Crush Punjab by 194 Runs as Lower Order, Spinners Shine
Saurashtra kept their Ranji Trophy campaign alive with a commanding 194-run victory over Punjab, powered by a sensational lower-order batting effort and a ruthless spin display. On a turning surface at the Niranjan Shah Stadium ‘C’ ground, Saurashtra’s depth and discipline proved far superior as Punjab collapsed twice in two days.
The win was built on resilience with the bat and clinical execution with the ball, underlining why Saurashtra remain one of the most competitive red-ball sides in the domestic circuit.
Lower Order Turns the Match
Resuming day two at 24 for three in their second innings, Saurashtra were staring at trouble. Punjab sensed an opportunity after removing key top-order batters early, especially when the hosts slipped to 75 for five.
What followed changed the course of the match.
A counter-attacking partnership between and wrested control back decisively. The duo added 92 runs in just 73 balls, dismantling Punjab’s plans on a pitch offering sharp turn.
Jadeja played the stabiliser’s role, rotating strike efficiently during his 46 off 44 balls, while Prerak went on the offensive. His 56 off 41 deliveries, studded with 10 boundaries, featured audacious sweeps and reverse sweeps that forced Punjab onto the back foot. Three boundaries in one over off Harpreet Brar underlined the shift in momentum.
Even after the partnership broke, Saurashtra’s tail continued to frustrate the visitors. Useful contributions from Hetvik Kotak, Parth Bhut and skipper pushed the lead well beyond reach. In total, the last five wickets added a remarkable 211 runs, setting Punjab a daunting target of 320.
Punjab’s Batting Falters Again
Punjab’s response lacked composure and adaptability. While the pitch assisted spin, it was far from unplayable. Yet the visitors repeatedly made poor shot selections, particularly against slow bowling.
Only Uday Saharan showed some resistance with 31, while the rest of the batting crumbled under pressure. Half the side fell victim to ill-judged sweep shots, including opener Prabhsimran Singh and captain , both dismissed either bowled or lbw attempting horizontal-bat strokes.
Gill’s dismissal just before tea triggered a dramatic collapse. Punjab lost six wickets for 15 runs, folding for 125 with 25 minutes still remaining on day two.
Spin Duo Outshine Senior Star
While Ravindra Jadeja went wicketless, it was Saurashtra’s younger spin pair that stole the show. Left-arm spinners and were relentless in line, length and discipline.
Dharmendra finished with figures of five for 55, consistently attacking the stumps, while Bhut was devastating, claiming five for just eight runs in a spell that completely dismantled Punjab’s lower order. Their combined control ensured Punjab never looked close to mounting a chase.
Match Summary
Saurashtra’s all-round effort highlighted the value of depth and clarity in red-ball cricket. The batting showed patience and counter-attack when required, while the bowling remained relentless without chasing magic deliveries.
The emphatic nature of the win keeps Saurashtra firmly in contention and sends a strong message to other teams in the competition.
Our Thoughts
This victory was a textbook example of why Saurashtra have been one of India’s most consistent Ranji sides over the past decade. The ability to extract runs from the lower order reflects strong domestic structures and confidence in role clarity.
Punjab, on the other hand, will be deeply concerned by their repeated batting collapses. The lack of adaptability against spin on a wearing surface exposed technical and mental gaps, especially among senior batters. In red-ball cricket, patience is non-negotiable — something Punjab failed to show.
For Saurashtra, the performance of Dharmendra Jadeja and Parth Bhut is particularly encouraging. Their ability to outshine a world-class spinner like Ravindra Jadeja speaks volumes about the talent pipeline in the state. If they continue delivering under pressure, Saurashtra will remain a formidable force as the tournament progresses.