At the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Gujarat produced a commanding performance to defeat Saurashtra by innings and 98 runs, securing their spot in the Ranji Trophy semifinals for the first time since the 2019-20 season. On February 11, 2025, Gujarat set the tone of the match with a remarkable first innings total of 511 runs, largely thanks to the brilliant centuries from Urvil Patel and Jaymeet Patel.
Gujarat’s batting depth was evident, as they amassed a 295-run lead. The top order performed admirably, with Urvil Patel leading with 140 runs, capitalizing on his impressive form from the T20 format, and Jaymeet Patel contributing 103 runs. Their efforts on the second day of play anchored the team, allowing them to bat for 159.1 overs and tire the Saurashtra bowlers.
After being set a massive target, Saurashtra’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, mirroring their first innings performance where they managed only 216 runs. Resuming their second innings at 33 for no loss, Saurashtra started with some promise through opener Harvik Desai, who scored 54 runs off 103 balls. Yet, once Chirag Jani was dismissed for 26, the batting order fell apart.
Priyajitsinh Jadeja was the star bowler for Gujarat, taking 4 wickets for just 32 runs, and Arzan Nagwaswalla supported him well with figures of 3 for 54. The duo dismantled Saurashtra’s batting, claiming wickets at regular intervals. Cheteshwar Pujara's struggles continued as he managed only 2 runs from the match, adding to Saurashtra’s woes and pushing them closer to elimination.
Saurashtra's innings ended at 197, with no significant resistance coming from the lower order, as their hopes of reaching the semifinals diminished before the tea interval. The final blow came when left-arm pacer Nagwaswalla executed perfect reverse swing, taking out key middle-order batsmen and ending Saurashtra's innings swiftly.
Ravi Bishnoi also made his mark with two wickets, including the prized dismissal of veteran Sheldon Jackson, who was playing his last match for Saurashtra. Jackson, who finished his career with over 7,200 runs and numerous accolades, was dismissed after contributing 27 runs, ending his career on a disappointing note.
Gujarat's bowlers exhibited precision and strategy, making it difficult for Saurashtra to settle and build partnerships. The Saurashtra players displayed flashes of brilliance but could not convert them to substantial performances across both innings, reflecting on their inconsistent season.
“It’s always hard to see the aggressive side of our cricket overshadowed by our batting collapses, especially when it's our pivotal players underperforming,” stated Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat, reflecting on their exit from the tournament.
For Gujarat, the semifinal win propelled them forward as they look to secure their second Ranji Trophy title, having last won it during the 2016-2017 season. They now eagerly await the outcome of the match between Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala, the winners of which they will face next.
The match also underscored the importance of teamwork and collective performance—a hallmark of Gujarat’s success this season. The team’s credentials as potential champions have strengthened with this impressive win, leaving fans hopeful for the upcoming matches.
The emotional weight of the match lingered as Sheldon Jackson bid farewell to domestic cricket after contributing significantly to Saurashtra’s success over the years. He expressed his gratitude to fans and teammates, stating, “It was not the finish I envisioned, but I’m proud of my time here.”
This quarterfinal clash demonstrated the unpredictable nature of cricket, where even formidable teams can succumb to pressure and unyielding opponents. Gujarat’s path forward looks bright as they build upon their successes, but the departure of stalwarts like Jackson from Saurashtra may require rebuilding for the next season.