The marathon efforts continue for Cheteshwar Pujara wherever he walks out to play a game of cricket.
Barely a week after returning from his Man-of-the-Series winning exploits in India’s historic Test series victory in Australia, Pujara has seen his Saurashtra team qualify for the Ranji Trophy 2018/19 semi-finals with the highest successful chase in the 85-year history of the competition.
Saurashtra made light work of a gigantic 372-run target posed by Uttar Pradesh to go through to the final-four for the first time in three seasons with a six-wicket win at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Pujara, who was batting at number five for his state team, was at the crease for the final act of the stupendous chase, and finished unbeaten on 67 – one of three half-centurions for Saurashtra, besides a hundred from Harvik Desai.
Uttar Pradesh had appeared to be in pole position in the quarter-final tie until the fourth day’s play on Friday, 19 January. Despite being bowled out for 194 in their second innings, the hosts were firmly in the driver’s seat by account of their 177-run lead from the first essay.
But Saurashtra turned the tide in their favour with a resolute batting display on Day 4. Desai put the visitors on course with a 143-run opening stand along with Snell Patel, and carried on after his partner’s dismissal to finish the day on an unbeaten 83 to take Saurashtra to 195/2 at Stumps.
The 19-year-old brought up a richly-deserved maiden first-class hundred on the final morning, and although Uttar Pradesh removed Desai (for 116) and fellow overnight batsman Kamlesh Makwana in quick succession, they found no further breakthroughs.
Pujara was joined in the middle by Sheldon Jackson, and the veteran pair saw their side home without any trouble. Jackson managed to outscore Pujara, finishing on 73 not out, as the fifth-wicket stand remained undefeated on 136 to see Saurashtra over the line.
Saurashtra, who are hoping to win a first Ranji title since 1944, face eight-time champions Karnataka next, with holders Vidarbha locking horns with Kerala in the other semi-final. Both the semis commence on Thursday, 24 January.
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