Cheteshwar Pujara

Rajkot: Saurashtra on Thursday entered into semi-final of Ranji Trophy on virtue of their first innings lead over rival Karnataka.        

Saurashtra had scored 469 and then restricted Karnataka for 396. In the second essay, resuming their overnight score of 463 for three, Saurashtra ended the day amassing 718 runs losing nine wickets. Cheteshwar Pujara, who was batting on 261 Wednesday continued dominating the visitors with the bat and made his second triple century of the career.

His 352 runs was the only highlight of the day.        

Pujara started the day in watchful manner and looked set to reach four hundred runs mark but his 344-minutes-stay at the crease ended with Gowtham's delivery hitting the stumps. Pujara hit 49 fours and a six and added 343 runs for the fourth wicket with Sheldon Jackson who also cracked 117 with thirteen fours and a six.        

Kamlesh Makwana was batting on 65 when both the captains agreed to call off the match.        

In another game, Mumbai also booked themselves a semi-final spot on account of their first innings lead. In their second essay Mumbai, riding on Kaustubh Pawar's 115, declared at 295.In reply, Baroda managed 137 for three wickets.

Meanwhile, Mumbai's chances of progressing to the final took a blow when Zaheer Khan was left out for the match against, Services.

Zaheer had suffered a calf injury during Mumbai's game against Madhya Pradesh and he further aggravated the injury in the game against Gujarat.

Summarised Scores

In Jamshedpur: Jharkhand 401 & 33/0. Punjab 699/3 (T. Kohli 300 not out, U. Kaul 113 not out). Match drawn

In Rajkot: Saurashtra 469 & 718/9 (C. Pujara 352). Karnataka 396. Match drawn

In Mumbai: Mumbai 645/9 decl. & 295/6 decl. (K. Pawar 115). Baroda 271 & 137/3. Match drawn