Saurashtra advance to semis

Rajkot: Cheteshwar Pujara struck second triple hundred of his first class career as Saurashtra progressed to the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy, courtesy their first innings lead over rival Karnataka, here Thursday.

The high scoring quarter-final ended in a draw with Saurashtra amassing 718 for nine in their second innings. Kamlesh Makwana was batting on 65 for the hosts when the two captains agreed to call off the match. Sauarashtra had scored 469 in their first innings and had restricted Karnataka to 396.

Resuming at overnight 463 for three, Saurashtra continued to torment Karnataka bowlers with Pujara resuming at 261. The only highlight of the day was Puajra completing his triple century. The young batsman started the day in watchful manner and looked good to touch the 400-run mark but his stay ended when off-spinner Krishnappa Gowtham castled him.

Pujara struck second triple hundred of his first class career as Saurashtra progressed to the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy.

Pujara hit 49 fours and a six and added 343 runs for the fourth wicket with Sheldon Jackson, who cracked 117 with thirteen fours and a six. Gowtham was the pick of the bowlers for Karnataka taking four wickets conceding 206 runs while K P Apanna and Amit Varma grabbed two wickets each giving away 178 and 112 runs, respectively.

Saurashtra is now scheduled to play against Punjab.

Brief Scores- Saurashtra 469 and 718 for 9 (Cheteshwar Pujara 352, Sheldon Jackson 117, Gowtham 4-206) against Karnataka 396.

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