GUWAHATI: In a surprising turn of events at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, defending champions Saurashtra faced an unexpected defeat at the hands of a resilient Tripura, losing by 148 runs in their Group A match in Bengaluru on Monday.
Tripura’s batsmen showcased exceptional determination, propelling their team to a formidable total of 258 for 8. Fifties by Bikram Kumar Das (59 off 76 balls), Sudip Chatterjee (61 off 93 balls), and Ganesh Satish (71 off 74 balls) set the stage for a challenging target.
Saurashtra’s experienced left-arm pacer, Jaydev Unadkat, was the standout performer with a five-wicket haul (5 for 35), attempting to contain Tripura’s batting onslaught.
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However, the defending champions struggled in their reply, managing only 110 runs before being bowled out in 31.4 overs. Joydeb Deb, the part-time bowler, turned the tide in Tripura’s favour by taking five crucial wickets (5 for 15).
Saurashtra found themselves in early trouble at 13 for three as Harvik Desai, Sheldon Jackson, and Chirag Jani fell quickly to the attacks of pacer Mura Singh.
Cheteshwar Pujara, the seasoned Indian batsman, and Arpit Vasavada attempted to revive Saurashtra’s innings with a 37-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
However, the hopes were short-lived as Bikram Debnath dismissed Pujara for 24, dealing a significant blow to Saurashtra’s chances of staging a successful comeback in the chase.
