Jalaj Saxena ran riot with the ball as he bowled a staggering spell of 9/68 in the Ranji Trophy 2023-2024 match between Kerala and Bengal on February 11. In the Ranji Trophy match against Bengal at the St. Xavier’s College Ground in Thiruvananthapuram, veteran off-spinner Jalaj Saxena delivered an exceptional performance, earning the second-best bowling figures in an innings for Kerala. Saxena's remarkable figures of nine for 63 stand only behind Amarjith Singh's record of nine for 45 against Andhra in Kannur back in 1971-72. His stellar performance played a pivotal role in Kerala restricting Bengal to a mere 180 runs in their first innings, in response to Kerala's formidable total of 363.
The 37-year-old off-spinner played a crucial role in dismissing key Bengal batsmen, including the top-scorer Abhimanyu Easwaran who scored 73 runs, along with experienced players Manoj Tiwary and Anustup Majumdar.
Following his exceptional bowling display, Saxena quickly transitioned to batting, opening the innings alongside Rohan Kunnummal, as Kerala opted to bat again. The duo formed a solid fifty-run partnership for the first wicket, showcasing Saxena's versatility as an all-rounder.
Best bowling figures for Kerala in Ranji Trophy
Amarjith Singh 9/45 vs Andhra in 1971/72
Jalaj Saxena 9/63 vs Bengal in 2023/24
B. Ramprakash 8/25 vs Karnataka in 1996/97
Jalaj Saxena 8/36 vs Services in 2022/23
Jalaj Saxena 8/45 vs Andhra in 2018/19
Khare showcases resilience with a gritty 143, yet Mumbai maintain advantage
In Raipur, Chhattisgarh skipper Amandeep Khare led the charge with an impressive 143, guiding his team to a commendable fightback, falling just shy of Mumbai's first innings total of 351.
Starting the day at 180/4, Khare, who remained unbeaten on 35, displayed remarkable patience throughout his innings, facing 211 deliveries with composure. Despite Mumbai consistently taking wickets from one end, Khare remained resolute and was the final wicket to fall, amassing 14 fours and four sixes in his innings.
In response, Mumbai ended the third day at 97/1, holding a lead of 98 runs, with Bhupen Lalwani and Amogh Bhatkal at the crease.
Although Mumbai appeared well-positioned with the lead, Chhattisgarh's Shubham Singh managed to make a breakthrough in Mumbai's second innings by dismissing Prithvi Shaw, who had contributed significantly with a quickfire 159 off 185 balls in the first innings, propelling Mumbai to 351 runs.
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