Prithvi Shaw scripts history, bangs on selectors' doors with second-fastest double hundred in Ranji Trophy history

Out-of-favour India batter Prithvi Shaw caused carnage in the match against Chandigarh and went on to score the second-fastest double-century in the history of the Ranji Trophy. Though Shaw wasn't able to surpass Ravi Shastri, who scored a 123-ball double-ton back in 1985, he reached the milestone in just 141 deliveries and did so by scoring a big number of boundaries.

Shaw had first provided a strong start to Maharashtra in their second innings alongside opener Arshin Kulkarni. The duo formed a stand of 73 runs  before the latter was dismissed for 31 runs. However, this wicket didn't put an end to Chandigarh's problems as Shaw continued to smack boundaries all around the park. He also got good support from Siddhesh Veer at the other end and this saw an increase in the run-flow for Mahrashtra.

Shaw decimates Chandigarh bowlers

Shaw would soon go on to reach triple figures after facing just 72 deliveries. He reached the milestone after hitting a total of 17 boundaries as Maharashtra took a lead of over 300 runs in the match. The humongous partnership of 197 runs between Shaw and Siddhesh would come to an end in the 40th over of the innings as the latter lost his wicket for 62.

Maharashtra take humongous lead

The 25-year-old was then joined by Ruturaj Gaikwad at the crease and the two took Maharashtra's innings forward. Shaw once again proved to be the aggressor in the partnership and kept on piling misery for Chandigarh. He then went on to send a clear message of intent to the Indian selectors and reached his double-hundred after facing just 141 deliveries. The double-ton played a pivotal role in Mahrashtra crossing the 300-run mark and taking a lead of over 400 runs. 

ALSO READ: Prithvi Shaw roars back to form, tonks first century for Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy

Shaw's blistering knock was eventually brought to an end by Arjun Azad, who dismissed him for 222 runs from just 156 deliveries. The batter's innings included 29 boundaries and 5 sixes and is likely to be crucial for Maharashtra as the match progresses. It is now upto Gaikwad and captain Ankit Bawane to take Maharashtra's innings forward and take them towards an even bigger lead.