Ranji Trophy Punjab vs Saurashtra: Saurashtra produced a commanding all-round performance to register a resounding 194-run victory over Punjab inside two days in their Ranji Trophy clash at the Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium, Ground-C, Rajkot. The match, which saw wickets tumble relentlessly across both days, was headlined by an exceptional bowling effort from left-arm spinner Parth Bhut, who claimed 10 wickets in the match and was deservedly named Player of the Match.
The encounter lived up to the intensity traditionally associated with the Ranji trophy punjab vs saurashtra rivalry, as both teams struggled to cope with a spin-friendly surface that rewarded discipline and patience with the ball.
Match Summary: Ranji Trophy Punjab vs Saurashtra
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Ranji Trophy |
| Match | Punjab vs Saurashtra |
| Venue | Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium, Ground-C, Rajkot |
| Result | Saurashtra won by 194 runs |
| Player of the Match | Parth Bhut (Saurashtra) |
| Match Duration | 2 Days |
Day One: Wickets Fall in Clusters as Bowlers Dominate
The Ranji Trophy fixture between Punjab and Saurashtra began with high drama, as the pitch at Rajkot offered early assistance to bowlers. Winning the toss, Saurashtra elected to bat first, but their decision was quickly tested by a disciplined Punjab bowling attack.
Despite a few resistance partnerships, Saurashtra were bundled out for 172 runs in their first innings. The Punjab bowlers kept things tight, exploiting the slow turn and variable bounce on offer.
However, Punjab failed to capitalise on the opportunity. When they came out to bat, the Saurashtra bowling unit responded with equal intensity. Led by accurate spin and clever variations, Punjab were dismissed for just 139 runs, handing Saurashtra a crucial 33-run first-innings lead.
By the end of Day One, a staggering 23 wickets had fallen, underlining how challenging the batting conditions were.
First Innings Scorecard Overview
| Team | Runs | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Saurashtra (1st Innings) | 172 | — |
| Punjab (1st Innings) | 139 | — |
| Lead | Saurashtra by 33 runs |
Day Two: Saurashtra Bat with Intent to Set Up a Decisive Target
Resuming play on Day Two at 24 for 3, Saurashtra knew the importance of building a competitive second-innings total. The responsibility fell on the middle order, and they responded with confidence and intent.
Prerak Mankad played a brisk and influential knock, scoring 56 runs off just 41 balls, injecting momentum into the innings. His positive stroke play ensured Saurashtra did not allow Punjab to dictate terms.
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja once again proved his immense value to the team, contributing 46 runs off 44 balls. His calm presence and tactical awareness helped stabilise the innings during a crucial phase.
Saurashtra eventually posted 286 runs in 58.5 overs, setting Punjab a daunting target on a deteriorating surface.
Key Batting Contributions – Saurashtra Second Innings
| Player | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Prerak Mankad | 56 | 41 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 46 | 44 |
| Team Total | 286 | 58.5 overs |
Punjab’s Second Innings Collapse: Parth Bhut Spins a Web
Facing a stiff target and difficult batting conditions, Punjab never truly found momentum in their second innings. The Saurashtra bowlers tightened the screws from the very first over.
Parth Bhut delivered a spell that will be remembered as one of the finest individual performances of the season. Bowling with remarkable control and accuracy, the left-arm spinner dismantled Punjab’s batting order.
Bhut finished with 5 wickets for just 8 runs in 10 overs, including four maiden overs, as Punjab were bowled out for 125 runs in 39 overs.
Supporting him brilliantly was Dharmendra Jadeja, who also picked up five wickets in the second innings, ensuring Punjab had no avenue of escape.
Punjab Second Innings – Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parth Bhut | 10 | 4 | 8 | 5 |
| Dharmendra Jadeja | — | — | — | 5 |
Shubman Gill’s Struggles Continue in Rajkot
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Ranji trophy punjab vs saurashtra match was the disappointing performance of Punjab captain Shubman Gill.
The highly rated batter endured a forgettable outing, managing just 14 runs across both innings. Gill was dismissed by Parth Bhut in both innings, highlighting the spinner’s dominance and Gill’s difficulty in adjusting to the conditions.
Gill’s inability to anchor the innings proved costly for Punjab, as the team lacked leadership and stability at the top of the order.
Ravindra Jadeja’s All-Round Impact
While Parth Bhut grabbed the headlines, Ravindra Jadeja once again demonstrated why he remains one of India’s most reliable all-rounders.
Across the match, Jadeja scored 53 runs and claimed 2 wickets, making meaningful contributions with both bat and ball. His experience played a key role in helping Saurashtra control critical phases of the game.
Match Highlights at a Glance
| Category | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Biggest Performer | Parth Bhut – 10 wickets |
| Best All-Rounder | Ravindra Jadeja |
| Fastest Knock | Prerak Mankad – 56 (41 balls) |
| Biggest Disappointment | Shubman Gill |
| Total Wickets in Match | Over 40 |
Who Is Parth Bhut? Rising Star of Saurashtra
Parth Bhut’s performance in Rajkot has firmly placed him in the spotlight of Indian domestic cricket.
Bhut is a left-arm spinner who made his first-class debut in 2019. He hails from Junagadh, Gujarat, and comes from a middle-class background, where access to top-level cricket infrastructure was limited.
Despite financial and infrastructural challenges early in his career, Bhut’s determination and discipline have helped him carve out a strong place in the Saurashtra setup.
Parth Bhut – Career Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Playing Role | Left-arm spinner |
| First-Class Debut | 2019 |
| Matches Played | 21 |
| Wickets Taken | 66 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 7 |
| Batting Records | 1 Century, 1 Half-Century |
| Hometown | Junagadh, Gujarat |
Read also: Ranji Trophy Punjab vs Saurashtra: 23 Wickets Fall on Day One as Bowlers Dominate in Rajkot
Saurashtra’s Position in Group B Strengthens
With this emphatic victory, Saurashtra have moved up to second place in Group B of the Ranji Trophy standings. The team now has two wins and four draws, accumulating a total of 19 points.
This result significantly boosts their qualification hopes as the league stage approaches its decisive phase.
Group B Standings Impact
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saurashtra | — | 2 | 4 | 19 |
What’s Next for Saurashtra?
Saurashtra will next face Chandigarh in their upcoming Ranji Trophy fixture, scheduled to begin on 29 January in Chandigarh. With confidence high and their bowling unit in top form, Saurashtra will look to carry this momentum forward.
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Conclusion
The Ranji trophy punjab vs saurashtra match in Rajkot proved to be a showcase of spin bowling excellence and tactical discipline. While Punjab will reflect on missed opportunities and leadership challenges, Saurashtra can take pride in a clinical performance led by Parth Bhut’s match-winning spell.
As the Ranji Trophy season progresses, performances like these not only shape group standings but also highlight emerging talents who could play a bigger role on the national stage in the future.
