Tamil Nadu vs Saurashtra, Elite Group D Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 | Tamil Nadu won by an innings and 70 runs

Tamil Nadu stormed to an emphatic victory over Saurashtra by an innings and 70 runs in their Elite Group D clash of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. The match, held at the SNR College Cricket Ground in Coimbatore, saw Tamil Nadu dominate from start to finish, thanks to a brilliant team performance, led by Gurjapneet Singh’s match-winning six-wicket haul in the second innings.

Tamil Nadu’s Commanding First Innings

Saurashtra, after winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled against a disciplined Tamil Nadu bowling attack in their first innings, being bundled out for just 203 in 77 overs. Despite brief resistance from Arpit Vasavada (62*) and cameos from Chirag Jani (34) and Jaydev Unadkat (21), Saurashtra couldn’t build a solid foundation.

Tamil Nadu’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Sonu Yadav (3-30) and M Mohammed (3-38) leading the charge, while captain Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore (3-54) kept the pressure on the middle order.

In response, Tamil Nadu put on a solid batting display, racking up 367 runs in their first innings, establishing a strong lead of 164 runs. N Jagadeesan was the star of the show with a well-crafted century (100 off 165 balls), supported by Sai Sudharsan’s 82 and Pradosh Paul’s 49. Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat fought back valiantly with the ball, taking 6-61, but Tamil Nadu’s deep batting lineup ensured they posted a commanding total.

Saurashtra Crumble in the Second Innings

Saurashtra’s second innings was nothing short of a disaster, as they were skittled out for just 94 in 40.4 overs. Gurjapneet Singh was the hero for Tamil Nadu, tearing through Saurashtra’s batting order with remarkable figures of 6-22 in 14 overs. Sonu Yadav added 3-29 to his tally, while Sai Kishore chipped in with a wicket to wrap up the tail.

Sheldon Jackson (38 off 64 balls) and Arpit Vasavada (22 off 64 balls) tried to hold the innings together, but none of the other batters could provide support. Cheteshwar Pujara, Saurashtra’s most dependable player, was dismissed for a duck, compounding their batting woes. The innings fell apart rapidly as Saurashtra lost wickets in quick succession, with Tamil Nadu’s bowlers asserting complete control.

Key Performances:

• Tamil Nadu 1st Innings:

  • N Jagadeesan: 100 (165 balls, 11 fours)
  • Sai Sudharsan: 82 (159 balls, 8 fours)
  • Jaydev Unadkat (Saurashtra): 6-61 in 24 overs

• Saurashtra 1st Innings:

  • Arpit Vasavada: 62* (149 balls, 5 fours)
  • Sonu Yadav: 3-30 in 15 overs
  • M Mohammed: 3-38 in 16 overs

• Saurashtra 2nd Innings:

  • Sheldon Jackson: 38 (64 balls, 6 fours)
  • Gurjapneet Singh: 6-22 in 14 overs
  • Sonu Yadav: 3-29 in 11.4 overs

Match Summary:

• Tamil Nadu 367 all out (121.3 overs)
• Saurashtra 203 all out (77 overs) & 94 all out (40.4 overs)
• Result: Tamil Nadu won by an innings and 70 runs
• Points: Tamil Nadu 7, Saurashtra 0

Tamil Nadu’s dominant all-round performance ensured a comfortable victory, leaving Saurashtra with plenty to reflect on. Gurjapneet Singh’s lethal spell and N Jagadeesan’s century were the highlights of a commanding team effort that handed Tamil Nadu 7 points