Sai Kishore Shines with 5-Wicket Haul Vs Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy 2024 Quarterfinal

Sai Kishore with his teammates[x.com]

In the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 quarterfinal clash between Tamil Nadu and Saurashtra at SNR College Cricket Ground, Coimbatore, Saurashtra won the toss and chose to bat. However, their decision backfired as they were bowled out for 183 runs. 

Harvik Desai stood out with 83 runs for Saurashtra, but it was Tamil Nadu's captain, Sai Kishore, who stole the spotlight by claiming five crucial wickets, supported well by S Ajith Ram who bagged three wickets.

Sai Kishore's performance is particularly significant as he has led Tamil Nadu into the quarterfinals after a hiatus of six years in the Ranji Trophy. 

With 37 first-class matches under his belt, Sai Kishore has already picked 151 wickets, including eight five-wicket hauls. Aged 27, Sai Kishore is renowned for his slow left-arm orthodox bowling and is considered one of the best spinners in domestic cricket across formats.

As the first day concluded, Tamil Nadu reached a score of 23/1, trailing Saurashtra by 160 runs. Sai Kishore's exceptional performance with the ball is anticipated to play a crucial role in guiding Tamil Nadu to the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024.

Saurashtra, led by Jaydev Unadkat, faced a tough challenge against Sai Kishore's remarkable bowling performance. This quarterfinal marks Tamil Nadu's return to the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Before this match, Sai Kishore had already impressed with 38 wickets from seven matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 season.

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