Young Punjab captain Uday Saharan played an unbeaten 117-run knock to guide his team to an eight-wicket win against Chandigarh in their Group B match at Sector 16 Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh.
Uday Saharan's match-winning knock
The 21-year-old, who captained India to a runners-up finish in the 2024 U19 World Cup, played a brilliant knock, hitting 15 fours in his 194-ball innings as Punjab chased down 227 on the third day to secure six points.
Making his debut in first-class cricket this season, Saharan found solid support from Jashanpreet Singh, who remained not out on 57. The duo put together an unbeaten 139-run partnership for the third wicket, helping Punjab reach 227 for 2 in 66.4 overs.
Earlier, Punjab had scored 142 in their first innings in reply to Chandigarh’s 173, with Saharan contributing 31 runs.
Starting the third day at 168 for 7, Chandigarh were bowled out for 195, setting Punjab a target of 227. Punjab bowlers Ayush Goyal (4/48) and Harpreet Brar (3/56) played key roles in wrapping up Chandigarh’s innings. Ankit Kaushik top-scored for Chandigarh with 38.
Earlier, Saharan flexed good form in Punjab's last clash against Goa, scoring 126 and 16, and the match ended in a draw.
Saurashtra vs Kerala Ranji clash
In another Ranji Trophy 2025 Group B clash, Chirag Jani struck a brilliant 152 off 204 balls (14x4, 4x6) to help Saurashtra reach 351 for five at stumps after resuming the day at overnight 47 for 1 against hosts Kerala.
Saurashtra, who were bundled out for 160 in their first innings, slumped to 69 for three but Jani and Aarpit Vasavada (74 off 147 balls) stitched 174 runs for the fourth wicket to shift the momentum of the game
Prerak Mankad then played an aggressive innings of 52 not out from 61 balls, hitting nine fours, and he was at the crease with Ansh Gosai (1 not out) at the end of the day's play.
Brief scores
Saurashtra vs Kerala
Saurashtra: 160 and 351 for 5 in 90 overs (Chirag Jani 151, Arpit Vasavada 74, Prerak Mankad 52 batting; Nedumankuzhy Basil 2/46) vs Kerala 233.
Chandigarh vs Punjab
Chandigarh: 173 and 195 all out in 68.5 overs (Ankit Kaushik 38; Ayush Goyal 4/48, Harpreet Brar 3/56) lost to Punjab 142 and 227 for 2 in 66.4 overs (Uday Saharan 117 not out, Jashanpreet Singh 57 not out; Raj Bawa 1/45) by 8 wickets.