Ranji Trophy: All-round effort by Parth Bhut propels Saurashtra into the semis

Bhut stars in Saurashtra's win [Twitter]

This was a clinical performance from Saurashtra as they reached yet another semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy. In a relatively lopsided affair, Saurashtra bowlers were at their imperial best and steered their side to a comfortable 71-run win on Saturday.

Key moments from the game

Parth Bhut turns the game for Saurashtra

How often has a number 9 scored a century in a first-class game? Parth Bhut did just that and his first innings score of nelson turns out to be the difference between the two teams.

Punjab were relatively pleased with their bowling efforts in the first innings, until Bhut joined the crease. In his usual aggressive manner, he took the attack to the opposition and scored a stellar century under immense pressure. On the roadway to his hundred, Bhut stitched valuable partnerships with Chetan Sakariya, and number 11, Yuvrajsinh Dodiya.

Punjab's deadly duo tore apart Saurashtra

In reply to Saurashtra's 303 in the first innings, Punjab needed a strong reply and they got just that. Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Naman Dhir used the condition to their advantage and batted with precision.

Both the batters scored their respective centuries and it came in quick time as well. Despite their departure, Mandeep Singh carried on the good work and missed out on a terrific ton by 9 runs. Thanks to Prabhsimran (126) and Dhir (131), Punjab slammed a mammoth 431 on the board.

Saurashtra's lower-order prevails once again

Saurashtra were in a tottering situation, at 60 for 4. This is when the game turned on its head as the middle and lower order, comprising of Arpit Vasavada (77), Chirag Jani (77), Prerad Mankad (88), and Parth Bhut once again (51) steered their side out of the jail.

Parth Bhut is the MVP

Not only with the bat, but Bhut showed his prowess with the ball as well. Chasing a tricky 251, Punjab's top-5 did get a start, but failed to convert it into a big score. Bhut was the chief destroyer with the ball, as he picked up 5 for 89, which included crucial wickets of openers Prabhsimran and Dhir.

Eventually Punjab faltered and lost the match by 71 runs

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