Saurashtra defeated Maharashtra in the finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022 played at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 2 December 2022.
Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat won the toss and decided to bat first. It was a disciplined start by Jaydev Unadkat and Kushang Patel not allowing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Pavan Shah to score runs easily. Chirag Jani produced a stunning run out getting rid of Shah from mid-on. At the end of 10 overs, Maharashtra scored just 18 runs for the loss of 1 wicket.
Ruturaj Gaikwad struggled against disciplined bowling by Saurashtra. Satjyeet Bachhav and Gaikwad steadied the ship before Parth Bhut dismissed Bachhav ending 66 runs partnership for the second wicket. Jaydev Unadkat took the wicket of Ankit Bawne leaving Maharashtra struggling. Gaikwad completed fifty off 96 balls.
Gaikwad and Azim Kazi put up an excellent display of cricket keeping the scoreboard ticking. Gaikwad impressed with his 3rd successive century this season off 124 balls. Gaikwad’s innings ended with an unfortunate run out. Gaikwad and Kazi added 94 runs for the fourth wicket.
Soon after the fall of Gaikwad’s wicket, Maharashtra struggled badly with their batting. Chirag Jani grabbed an important hattrick dismissing, Saurabh Nawale, Rajvardhan Hangekar, and Vicky Otswal in the 49th over. Despite Gaikwad’s 108, Maharashtra could only post 248 for 9 in 50 overs.
Chasing 249 runs to win, Harvik Desai and Sheldon Jackson provided a lovely start putting pressure on Maharashtra bowlers. Saurashtra openers kept momentum hitting boundaries with ease. At the end of 10 overs, Desai and Jackson made 38 for 0.
Jackson and Desai did not allow the Maharashtra bowlers to settle. Jackson completed a half-century off 66 balls keeping Saurasthra on track for a win. Desai also reached his fifty off 61 balls. Mukesh Chaudhary got a much-needed breakthrough dismissing Desai caught by Bachhav. Desai and Jackson added 125 runs for the opening wicket.
Maharashtra made a comeback into the match with quick wickets dismissing Jay Gohil, and Samarth Vyas. Jackson looked in great touch with Arpit Vasavada giving him good support. Jackson and Vasavada added 42 runs for the fourth wicket. Things looked edgy for Saurashtra as they lost another wicket to Mankad.
Winners Are Grinners! 🏆 ☺️@JUnadkat – captain of Saurashtra – receives the #VijayHazareTrophy from the hands of Mr. @JayShah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI. 👏 👏
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/CGhKsFzC4g #Final | #SAUvMAH | @mastercardindia | @saucricket pic.twitter.com/fBrgckoghb
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 2, 2022
Jackson completed his century off 116 balls to keep Saurasthra on track. Chirag Jani and Jackson provided a solid display as they added unbeaten 57 runs for the sixth wicket. Saurashtra won the match by 5 wickets with 21 balls to spare.
Sheldon Jackson remained not out on 133 off 136 balls with 12 fours and 5 sixes. For his unbeaten 133 off 136 balls, Jackson was named the player of the match award.
Journey of Saurashtra in the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy
Saurashtra had a remarkable 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy season. They finished at the top of Group A and qualified for the quarterfinals directly.
Saurashtra stunned Tamil Nadu by 44 runs in the fourth quarter-final played on 28 November 2022. It was another superb performance by Jaydev Unadkat’s led side as they defeated Karanakta in the first semi-finals played on 30 November.
Jaydev Unadkat finished as the leading wicket in the tournament with 19 wickets from 10 matches (10 innings) at an economy of 3.33 runs per over. He led from the front registering figures of 5 for 23.
Samarth Vyas was the leading run-getter for Saurashtra in this tournament with 443 runs from 10 matches (10 innings) with 1 century and 1 half-century. He registered his best score of 200. Harvik Desai also looked impressive as he made 440 runs from 10 matches ( 10 innings) with 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries.
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