Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja returned to domestic red-ball cricket with an authoritative batting performance, guiding Saurashtra to a commanding first-innings total in their ongoing tournament fixture. Facing Chhattisgarh in an Elite Group B contest, Saurashtra capitalized on conditions to register 392 all out, anchored firmly by a pair of contrasting centuries and a fluent knock down the order.
Ravindra Jadeja Anchors Innings to Notch 16th First-Class Century
Opting to bat first, Saurashtra leaned heavily on the international pedigree of Ravindra Jadeja, who displayed immense patience at the crease. Facing 209 deliveries, the left-hander compiled 102 runs laced with seven boundary hits. The milestone marked the 16th hundred of his first-class career. In an intriguing turn of events, Jadeja was eventually dismissed by his long-time compatriot Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, whose strike also signaled the end of the Saurashtra innings.
Prerak Mankad Scores 129 While Chirag Jani Adds Valuable 83
While Jadeja served as the anchor, Prerak Mankad injected momentum into the innings with an enterprising knock. Mankad crafted 129 runs off just 150 balls, punishing loose deliveries to strike 15 boundaries and clear the ropes once. Chirag Jani complemented the top scorers by providing crucial lower-order runs, finishing as the third-highest scorer with 83 off 148 deliveries, including 12 fours and three sixes. Though the rest of the lineup failed to register half-centuries, these three substantial contributions steered the side to an imposing 392-run tally.
Dev Aditya Singh Bags Five-Wicket Haul for Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh found their breakthrough performer with the ball in Dev Aditya Singh, who bowled with relentless discipline across long spells. Singh finished his shift with standout figures of 5 for 67 in 24 overs, regularly breaking brewing stands. Rudra Pratap and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja picked up two wickets apiece, while Sandeep Warrier chipped in with one dismissal. The focus now turns to Chhattisgarh's batters as they attempt to mount a resilient reply to Saurashtra's formidable first-innings benchmark.
