Irani Trophy 2022 is witnessing a mini comeback of 2019/20 Ranji Champions Saurashtra against Rest of India. Saurashtra were bowled out for mere 98 in the first innings. Rest of India riding on the century from Sarfaraz Khan and half centuries by Hanuma Vihari and Saurabh Kumar posted 374 on the board. The 2nd innings saw the 2019/20 champs mount an amazing fightback to comeback into the encounter thanks to the middle and lower middle order.
Jaydev Unadkat posts a hilarious tweet as Ravindra Jadeja responds
Saurashtra skipper Unadkat was a smiling and happy camper at the end of day two. His 144 run stand for the 8th wicket with Prerak Mankad had helped them the home team ensure ROI will bat again. At the end of the day, Unadkat took to Twitter and wrote “Glad to have Jaddu in the team … (in disguise). The tweet was directed at Prerak Mankad who has uncanny resemblance to Jadeja under the helmet. The tweet caught the eye of Jadeja who wrote “hahahaha very much similar”.
Glad to have Jaddu in the team.. (in disguise 😂) @imjadeja = @PrerakMankad46 pic.twitter.com/3URrzEMgD2
— Jaydev Unadkat (@JUnadkat) October 3, 2022
Saurashtra rocked early as Pujara fails again –
Saurashtra had lost 2 wickets at the end of day two with Harvik Desai and Snell Patel falling. Early on day 3, Kuldeep Sen got Chirag Jani when he went through the defenses and flattened the stumps. Pujara who fell for 1 in the 1st innings, was out for a similar score in the 2nd innings. Kuldeep Sen got one to bounce and get the edge of Pujara’s bat to be caught behind by Bharat for 1. Saurashtra were looking down the barrel at 57/4.
Jackson and Vasavada rally and show some fight –
With the fall of D. Jadeja for 25, the home team were 87/5 that’s when Jackson and Vasavada joined forces. The duo added 117 runs in 35 overs as both added caution with aggression. While Vasavada was watchful, Jackson was at his big hitting aggressive best.
ROI bowlers get two quick wickets –
Mukesh Kumar celebrated his India call up with the wicket of Sheldon Jackson. The Bengal seamer had the veteran caught behind for 71 off 117 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes. Vasavada was trapped LBW by Saurabh Kumar for 55 off 127 balls with 7 fours and a six in his innings as Saurashtra slipped to 215 /7 and an innings defeat looming large.
Unadkat and Mankad show stellar resolve with attacking cricket –
Jaydev Unadkat has really picked up his batting in recent times, the Saurashtra skipper formed an alliance with Mankad and went after the ROI bowlers. The pair added 144 for the 8th wicket in 29 overs as the scoring rate picked up. Apart from a chance here and there, the pair batted brilliantly to stage a remarkable fightback with both scoring half centuries.
Saurashtra end the day with a lead of 92-
Jayant Yadav was brought in to bowl and the off spinner got the wicket of Mankad. The right hander went for a pull but mistimed the shot and was caught by Umran Malik. Mankad scored 72 off 83 balls with 9 fours. Jaydev Unadkat was not out on 78 off 116 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes, alongside Parth Bhut who was not out on 6 off 11 balls. Saurashtra finished the day at 368/8 with a lead of 92 with 2 more days to play.