Saurashtra Cricket Team vs Punjab Cricket Team Timeline: The contest between Saurashtra and Punjab in the Elite Group B fixture turned into a commanding display of red-ball cricket, where discipline, depth, and experience made the decisive difference. Over the course of four innings, Saurashtra asserted control in every department, eventually sealing an emphatic victory by a massive margin.
This encounter added a significant chapter to the saurashtra cricket team vs punjab cricket team timeline, underlining how consistency and bowling strength can dismantle even a batting lineup packed with recognised names. From the opening spell to the final wicket, Saurashtra dictated the tempo, absorbed pressure calmly, and capitalised whenever Punjab faltered.
Match Overview at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | Ranji Trophy Elite – Group B |
| Teams | Saurashtra vs Punjab |
| Venue | Niranjan Shah Stadium C, Rajkot |
| Result | Saurashtra won by 194 runs |
| Format | Multi-day First-Class Match |
This fixture stood out not merely for the margin of victory but for the manner in which Saurashtra controlled the match phases.
Saurashtra First Innings: Jay Gohil Holds the Fort
Saurashtra’s first innings began under disciplined bowling from Punjab, where early breakthroughs tested the batting order. Despite losing partners at regular intervals, one batter ensured that the innings had substance and resistance.
Key Batting Contributions – Saurashtra 1st Innings
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Boundaries | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jay Gohil | 82 | 117 | 9 fours, 3 sixes | 70.09 |
| Prerak Mankad | 32 | 41 | 5 fours | 78.05 |
| Harvik Desai | 13 | 25 | 2 fours | 52.00 |
Jay Gohil’s knock was built on patience and shot selection. While wickets fell around him, he rotated strike intelligently and punished loose deliveries. His innings prevented Saurashtra from collapsing early and laid the foundation for a competitive total.
Punjab Bowling Highlights – Saurashtra 1st Innings
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Runs Conceded | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harpreet Brar | 18.1 | 6 | 38 | 2.10 |
| Jassinder Singh | 11 | 2 | 71 | 6.50 |
| Sanvir Singh | 4 | 1 | 10 | 2.50 |
Harpreet Brar emerged as Punjab’s standout performer, extracting sharp turn and accuracy to claim six wickets. However, the lack of sustained support at the other end allowed Saurashtra to push past the 170 mark.
Punjab First Innings: Parth Bhut Turns the Game
Punjab’s response never truly gained momentum. The top order struggled against disciplined bowling, and once pressure built, the middle order failed to absorb it.
Punjab Batting Summary – 1st Innings
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prabhsimran Singh | 44 | 60 | 73.33 |
| Anmolpreet Singh | 35 | 34 | 102.94 |
| Uday Saharan | 23 | 24 | 95.83 |
While Prabhsimran Singh tried to anchor the innings, wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
Saurashtra Bowling Dominance
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parth Bhut | 12 | 5 | 2.80 |
| Dharmendrasinh Jadeja | 12 | 2 | 3.00 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 12.1 | 2 | 3.90 |
Parth Bhut’s spell proved decisive. His control and variation dismantled Punjab’s middle order, restricting them to a modest total and handing Saurashtra a crucial lead.
Saurashtra Second Innings: Batting Depth on Full Display
If the first innings showed resilience, the second innings showcased authority. Saurashtra’s batters played with freedom, knowing their bowlers had already set the tone.
Major Partnerships and Contributions
| Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Prerak Mankad | 56 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 46 |
| Hetvik Kotak | 39 |
| Parth Bhut | 37* |
Prerak Mankad’s attacking approach shifted momentum decisively. Supported by Ravindra Jadeja’s fluent strokeplay, Saurashtra pushed the match completely out of Punjab’s reach.
Punjab Bowling in Second Innings
| Bowler | Wickets | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Harpreet Brar | 5 | 104 |
| Jassinder Singh | 3 | 84 |
| Prerit Dutta | 2 | 86 |
Despite another five-wicket haul from Harpreet Brar, the bowling unit struggled to contain the scoring rate.
Punjab Second Innings: Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing an imposing target, Punjab needed composure and partnerships. Instead, they encountered relentless pressure from Saurashtra’s spin-heavy attack.
Punjab Batting – 2nd Innings Snapshot
| Batter | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Uday Saharan | 31 | 71 |
| Harnoor Singh | 18 | 25 |
| Krish Bhagat | 17* | 51 |
The rest of the lineup fell quickly, unable to counter the movement and accuracy.
Match-Winning Bowling Spell
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parth Bhut | 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Dharmendrasinh Jadeja | 15 | 5 | 55 |
Parth Bhut’s spell was one of the most economical and destructive performances of the match, sealing the outcome emphatically.
Tactical Analysis: Why Saurashtra Dominated
Several factors defined this one-sided contest:
- Bowling depth that applied pressure consistently
- Batting contributions throughout the order, not relying on a single star
- Superior field discipline and catching efficiency
- Experience of players like Ravindra Jadeja and Jaydev Unadkat, guiding younger teammates
These elements have frequently shaped the saurashtra cricket team vs punjab cricket team timeline, with Saurashtra often excelling in longer formats through discipline and structure.
Squad Strength Comparison
Saurashtra Key Players
- Jaydev Unadkat
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Parth Bhut
- Jay Gohil
- Prerak Mankad
Punjab Key Players
- Shubman Gill
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Harpreet Brar
- Anmolpreet Singh
While Punjab possessed individual brilliance, Saurashtra’s collective execution proved far superior.
Also read: Ranji Trophy Punjab vs Saurashtra: 23 Wickets Fall on Day One as Bowlers Dominate in Rajkot
What This Result Means Going Forward
This victory strengthens Saurashtra’s position within the group and reinforces their reputation as one of the most organised red-ball sides in domestic cricket. For Punjab, the match highlighted areas needing urgent correction, particularly batting resilience against spin.
As the saurashtra cricket team vs punjab cricket team timeline continues to evolve, this encounter will be remembered as a textbook example of how preparation, patience, and tactical clarity can overpower raw talent.
