Ranji Trophy: Saurashtra beat Madhya Pradesh by 227 runs

Riding on a splendid bowling by debutant seamer Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Saurashtra beat Madhya Pradesh by 227 runs on the final day of their Ranji Trophy group "A" match and entered into knockout rounds.

Playing his first Ranji trophy, Jadeja scalped six wickets in Madhya Pradesh's second innings giving away 51 runs off 26.4 overs, he was supported well by off spinner Kamlesh Makwana, who finished with three for 43.

Saurashtra had made 242 runs in the first inning and then restricted the visitors on 135. In the second essay the hosts declared their inning on 303 for four and set MP 411 runs target to win the match but visitors were bowled out on 183.

Resuming at their overnight 89 for two, MP could add another 94 runs before getting all out off 68.4 overs.

Jalaj Saxena (75) and Rameez Khan (31) were the only batsmen for Madhya Pradesh, who resisted Jadeja-Makwana duo.

The duo added 85 runs for the third wicket and at that stage it looked that MP would save the match but once Khan was bowled out by Jadeja, rest of the batsmen surrendered against the pace-spin duo.

The match was crucial for both the sides to enter into knockout rounds where MP needed only three points, while only outright win was required for the hosts.

With this win, Saurashtra earned six points and improved their position with 23 points.

Brief Scores : Saurashtra 242 and 303 for 4 declared beat Madhya Pradesh by 227 runs. Madhya Pradesh 135 and 183 Jalaj Saxena 75, Rameez Khan 31, Dharmendra Jadeja 6-51, Kamlesh Makwana 3-43.