Vishvaraj Jadeja's Heroics Propel Saurashtra to Vijay Hazare Trophy Final

Vishvaraj Jadeja struck an unbeaten 165, leading Saurashtra to a nine-wicket victory over Punjab and securing a spot in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. Supported by Harvik Desai and Prerak Mankad, Saurashtra successfully chased down Punjab's total of 291, despite a strong start by their opponents.

In a remarkable display of batting, Vishvaraj Jadeja's unbeaten 165 guided Saurashtra to crush Punjab by nine wickets, sealing a berth in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. Saurashtra will challenge Vidarbha for the title on Sunday.

Earlier, Saurashtra's bowlers limited Punjab to a substandard 291. Jadeja's 127-ball innings, featuring 18 fours and three sixes, received solid support from Harvik Desai, who scored 64, and Prerak Mankad, who remained unbeaten at 52, as Saurashtra achieved the target in 39.3 overs. The partnership between Jadeja and Mankad yielded 121 runs.

Punjab, despite a promising start, faltered post a 109-run stand by Prabhsimran Singh and Anmolpreet, with Anmolpreet reaching his century in 103 balls. The collapse initiated with Anmolpreet's dismissal by Chetan Sakariya proved crucial as Punjab lost their last five wickets for just 16 runs while Saurashtra chased down the target effortlessly under the lights.

(With inputs from agencies.)