Ranji Trophy 2019-20 | AP v SAU - Triple fifties keep Saurashtra afloat

All in all, it was an even contest between bat and ball on day one of the fourth quarter-final of the 2019-20 Ranji season. Put into bat, the visitors mounted 200-plus before stumps courtesy of some strong performances in the middle-order. Opting to bowl, the hosts struck six times on the day, conceding less than three runs per over. 

Harvik Desai was dismissed by C Stephen before Saurashtra opened their account, but his opening partner Kishan Parmer stitched brief partnerships with Avi Barot, initially, and Vishvaraj, later on, before falling to Prithviraj for 35 — the score 67 for three. The veteran Jackson walked in and dominated the bowling attack with a 72-run stand with Vishvaraj, hitting nine fours and a six in his 71-ball 50, before he became Prithviraj’s third victim.

Arpit nicked one to Srikar Bharat off Sasikanth’s bowling as Andhra reduced last year’s runners-up to 140 for five. Jani walked in and pulled his side out of troubled waters and guided them past the 200-run-mark with an unbeaten 53. Vishvaraj, too, completed his half-century, but fell for 73 with Saurashtra’s total 226 for six. 

Brief scores: Saurashtra 226/6 in 79 overs (Vishvaraj Jadeja 73; Chirag Jani 53*; Yarra Prithviraj 3-51) vs Andhra.