Unadkat fires Saurashtra to maiden Ranji Trophy title, delivers on final day yet again

Skipper Jaydev Unadkat on Friday produced a lion-hearted spell when it mattered most against Bengal, leading Saurashtra to ir maiden Ranji Trophy triumph a year after stumbling at last hurdle. win was achieved on basis of first-innings lead here. Bengal had upper hand going into day five after Anustup Majumdar (63) and Arnab Nandi (40 t out) shared an unbeaten 91-run stand in final session Thursday.

But Unadkat, who had single-handily taken Saurashtra into final with a seven-wicket haul against Gujarat on final day of ir semifinal, rose to occasion yet again to script a historic victory. left-arm pacer had in-form Majumdar LBW and Akash Deep run out in a of three balls to turn game on its head. Unadkat ended as season's leading wicket-taker with 67 scalps at a staggering aver of 13.23, one short of an all-time record.

One hour and 10 minutes of play in decisive morning session yielded 27 runs and four wickets with Bengal all out for 381, giving Saurashtra a 44-run first-innings lead. At start of day, Bengal needed 72 runs for first-innings lead with four wickets in hands. In second innings, all Saurashtra had to do was to bat time before both captains decided to call off game and shake hands. y eventually did that at tea time after Saurashtra sauntered 105 for three in 34 overs.

With win, Saurashtra ended ir Ranji Trophy title drought while a fighting Bengal will have to wait longer for ir first crown since 1989-90 season. Despite loss, it was a memorable season for Bengal, who reached title clash after 13 years at back of stellar performances from pace trio of Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Ishan Porel and veteran batsman Maj Tiwary and Majumdar. For Saurashtra, star performers were Sheldon Jackson, Arpit Vasavada, and of course, ir captain.

Unadkat, who opened bowling alongside Chetan Sakariya on day five, was a tad defensive with field placement early on, considering team conceded easy runs to Bengal on penultimate day. onus was on Saurashtra skipper to deliver again after his performance against Gujarat propelled his team to its fourth final in eight seasons. He had bowled 32 overs before that match-winning over without getting a wicket despite giving his all.

But such is his conviction that he backs himself to do job in toughest of situations. In fact, he thrives on it. Majumdar and Nandi, who resumed day on 58 and 28 after defying Saurashtra on Thursday, were expected to get 72 runs for all-important first innings but Unadkat changed it all in one over. left-arm pacer, who is kwn more for his IPL riches than his brave heart performances for his state team, ended 98-run stand between Majumdar and Nandi by trapping former in front of stumps as he brought ball back in sharply.

He could have had Wriddhiman Saha out twice on day four with a similar ball but did t have required luck. Two balls after sending back a dejected Majumdar, Unadkat was alert eugh on field to make Akash Deep pay for igring basics.

Having played and miss, Akash Deep was found standing marginally outside crease. wicketkeeper was quick to observe that and went for direct hit but missed, only for bowler to collect ball and disturb timber, giving Saurashtra ir second wicket in three balls. game was played behind closed doors due to coronavirus threat but celebratory roar from Saurashtra players could be heard from highway next door.

Five overs later, spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja had Mukesh Kumar caught at short-leg after taking a successful DRS call, bringing Saurashtra just one wicket away from creating history. With Bengal 55 runs behind, Nandi tried his best and went for his strokes but in end, his team fell agonizingly short. Fittingly, Unadkat took last wicket of Bengal's innings by catching number 11 Ishan Porel plumb in front of stumps.

(Im credits: Twitter/@PoonambenMaadam)