Published: Dec 26, 2016, 06:48 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 26, 2016, 06:48 PM (IST)
Jharkhand reached semi-finals for the first time in the history of Ranji Trophy. In the quarter-final clash against Haryana, they emerged triumphant by 5 wickets with one more day still be played. All-in-all, it was a clinical performance by Saurabh Tiwary’s men, performing with distinction in all the departments. Left-arm orthodox bowler Shahbaz Nadeem was awarded Man-of-the-Match for his match figures of 11 for 157. On the other hand, Virat Singh’s characteristic hundred in the first innings helped Jharkhand stay ahead in the race to reach the penultimate stage. However, Ishan Kishan scored 86 off 61 to put the final nail in the coffin.
After winning the toss, Haryana captain Mohit Sharma elected to bat. The track, however, was sporting, offering equal assistance to batsmen and bowlers. But the highlighting factor was the amount of bounce it generated. Jharkhand bowlers made full use of it and skittled Haryana out for 258, courtesy Nadeem’s stunning sever-for. In reply, Virat added 146 with Ishank Jaggi for the fourth wicket. However, it was Nadeem and Rahul Shukla’s late-order blitz that propelled Jharkhand to 345, taking a lead of 87 runs. Haryana had three days to clear the deficit and put up a fighting total on board.
All the same, Haryana went further downhill, getting bowled out for a mere 262. Chaitanya Bishnoi was their only half-centurion in the match. Meanwhile, Nadeem ended second innings with figures of 4 for 78.
With only 176 needed in four sessions, it was no big task for the batting-heavy Jharkhand. They could have easily strolled towards it, stretching it till the last day. But Kishan was in no non-sense mood, for he scored his 6th half-century at a brisk rate, setting a solid foundation for the batsmen to come. Nonetheless, there was a little drama towards the end. Jharkhand lost as many as 5 wickets in the pursuit of scripting history. But again, Kishan’s belligerent 86 was enough for them to reach the finishing line.
Brief scores:
Haryana 258 (Rajat Paliwal 42; Shahbaz Nadeem 7 for 79) & 262 (Chaitanya Bishnoi 52, Shahbaz Nadeem 4 for 78) lost to Jharkhand 345 for 9 (Virat Singh 107, Harshal Patel 4 for 46) & 178 for 5 (Ishan Kishan 86; Sanjay Pahal 2 for 36) by 5 wickets
