Ranji Trophy 2022-23: Saurashtra thump Bengal to lift second title

Saurashtra claimed their second Ranji Trophy title in three seasons after hammering Bengal in the final of the 2022-23 season at the iconic Eden Gardens. Jaydev Unadkat’s side were relentless from the get-go. They were adamant about reclaiming the coveted title after winning it for the first time in 2020.

Bengal, who were eyeing their first title after more than three decades, were pushed on the backfoot after being reduced to 65/6 on the first morning of the final. Shahbaz Ahmed and Abishek Porel added a valiant 101-run stand for the seventh wicket, registering their respective half-centuries. But their efforts could only propel their side to a below par-total of 174 runs in the first innings.

After reducing the home side to a modest total, Saurashtra posted a massive total of 404 runs, buoyed by a strong performance from their middle-order batters. Harvik Desai gave a decent start to Unadkat’s side with a fluent half-century at the top of the order. But, it was the experienced pair of Sheldon Jackson and Arpit Vasavada, who kept the Bengal bowlers at bay with their respective half-centuries.

Following a dismal showing in the first innings, Manoj Tiwary’s Bengal eyed a comeback in the finale. However, their hopes were shortlived as the Saurashtra bowlers dismissed their top three cheaply. Anustup Majumdar and Manoj Tiwary formed a dogged partnership for the fourth wicket to arrest Bengal’s slide.

But the Saurashtra bowlers were in no mood to let the advantage slip. They managed to dislodge the home side for 241 runs in the second innings. Unadkat, who was released from the Indian squad for the final, led from the front in the second innings. He claimed a six-for to lift his second title in three seasons.