Tamil Nadu rode on Sai Kishore's stunning show secured a decisive victory over the defending champions Saurashtra by an innings and 33 runs, propelling them into the semifinals of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy at the SNR College Cricket Ground on February 25. Notably, Tamil Nadu made it to Ranji Trophy semifinals after seven years.
Tamin Nadu first team to qualify for Ranji Trophy 2024 semis
With this, Tamil Nadu became the first team to storm into the semi-final this Ranji Trophy season, which will be played on March 2.
Leading the charge for Tamil Nadu was captain Sai Kishore, who was instrumental throughout the match, claiming nine wickets in total, with four of those coming in the second innings, ensuring the visitors were comprehensively outplayed.
The home team dismissed the reigning champions for 122 runs in their second innings, building on a first-innings lead of 155 runs.
The standout performer for Tamil Nadu was their captain and left-arm spinner Sai Kishore, who took nine wickets across the match, including four in the crucial second innings. He also contributed a significant 60 runs in the first innings, aiding his team to a total of 338 in response to Saurashtra’s 183.
Supporting Sai Kishore were seamer Sandeep Warrier and spinner Ajith Ram, each securing five wickets during the match.
Babar Indajith, Boopathi Kumar too shone
Baba Indrajith and Boopathi Kumar made valuable contributions with the bat in the first innings, scoring 80 and 65 runs respectively.
This victory marks Tamil Nadu’s first semi-final appearance since the 2016/17 season. They will face the victor of the Mumbai vs Baroda quarter-final.
Should Mumbai emerge victorious in their quarter-final, Tamil Nadu will face them away in Mumbai for the semi-final. Conversely, a Baroda win means Tamil Nadu will host the semi-final in Coimbatore.
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