Ranji Trophy: Cheteshwar Pujara slams 131* as Saurashtra enter final
What's the story
Cheteshwar Pujara has been in prime form with the bat and played another top notch innings to help Saurashtra reach the final of 2018-19 edition of Ranji Trophy.
His 131* saw Saurashtra defeat Karnataka by five wickets, as they chased down a stiff target of 279.
In the final, they will take on defending champions Vidarbha. Here is more about Pujara's performance.
Partnership
214-run stand between Pujara and Jackson helps Saurashtra
Pujara shared a vital 214-run partnership with Sheldon Jackson for the fourth wicket.
This was the turning point and took Karnataka out of the reckoning.
Pujara made sure he stayed till the end to take Saurashtra past the finish line.
For the second time in a row, Saurashtra have chased a big target. In the previous match, they had chased down 372.
Information
A commendable performance by the two batsmen
Pujara and Jackson have been instrumental for Saurashtra for the second consecutive match. In the quarters, the two players had added 136 runs between them and now they bettered that tally. Saurashtra were reeling at 23/3, before the two players came together.
Performances
Pujara helped India win maiden Test series in Australia
Pujara was Indian cricket team's hero in the Test series against Australia that concluded, earlier this month.
The right-handed batsman scored a total of 521 runs in the series that included three tons. He ended the series with a brilliant 193-run knock at the SCG.
Pujara played a major hand in helping India seal their maiden Test series on Australian soil.
Reaction
Pujara booed by crowd at the Chinnaswamy
Meanwhile, the 31-year-old cricketer, who was praised immensely for his performances in Australia, was booed by the crowd in Bengaluru during the semi-final tie against Karnataka.
Pujara refused to walk despite edging the ball in both the innings.
Umpire Saiyed Khalid committed the howlers on both times.
Certain section of the crowd even chanted 'cheater' while Pujara was walking back to the pavilion.
Twitter Post
Fans unhappy with Pujara
“Cheater” is the reception Saurashtra batsmen received after Pujara denied to walk after edging twice in two innings. Sayied Khalid, well done Sir. #KARvSAU pic.twitter.com/cNVa0Nd53B
— Thilak Ram (@Thilak_Rama) January 27, 2019