Saurashtra crowned Ranji Trophy 2019-20 champions: Details here
Saurashtra clinched the prestigious Ranji Trophy 2019-20 title after gaining the first innings lead in the all-important final against Bengal. This was the fourth Ranji Trophy final for Saurashtra in seven seasons. Saurashtra managed 425 and folded Bengal for 381. In the second innings, they were 104/4. The match ended in a draw but Saurashtra got the trophy. Here's more.
Saurashtra clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title since 1950-51
Bengal were bowled out before gaining the lead
Bengal were 354/6 at stumps on Day 4, having trailed by 71 runs. They required 72 runs to gain the crucial first innings lead, but skipper Jaydev Unadkat provided Saurashtra an early breakthrough on Day 5. Wickets fell in quick succession as Bengal fell short of 44 runs for victory. Saurashtra went on with the second innings, but an eventual draw made them champions.
A long wait for Saurashtra!
Saurashtra have won a Ranji Trophy tournament after 69 long years. This is Saurashtra's first last title-clinching campaign since they began competing in 1950-51. Western India was the the last team from Saurashtra to win the title (in 1943-44). Vidarbha thrashed Saurashtra by 78 runs in the previous edition, while they were beaten twice by Mumbai in 2015-16 and 2012-13 respectively.
Unadkat takes the final wicket as Saurashtra lifts trophy
Jaydev Unadkat scripted history after becoming the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in a Ranji Trophy season with 65 wickets. The overall tally is led by spinner Ashutosh Aman who snapped up 68 wickets in 2018-19 season and overtook the Indian legend Bishan Singh Bedi. Unadkat was one wicket shy of breaking this record. He finished the season with 67 scalps to his name.
We enjoy the success of each other: Jaydev Unadkat
"I remember telling you that the brand of cricket we are playing will continue for a few more years and we will win the title. We have a team that enjoys each other's successes and there is good rapport," Unadkat said after winning the title.
