Ranji Trophy: Rematch of epic 1991 final in Haryana vs Mumbai, while J&K look to extend dream run | Cricket News
The quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy get underway on Saturday with two of fixtures happening in neutral venues because of weather and logical reasons. While Tamil Nadu take on Vidarbha in Nagpur, here is a look at the three other quarterfinals.
Haryana vs Mumbai at Eden Gardens, 9 AM
The contest was supposed to take place in Lahli, but the BCCI chose to shift it to Kolkata at the 11th hour as it is better prepared to handle the DRS technology. Since playing their epic final in 1991 which Haryana won 2 runs, the two sides have faced in a knockout only once, with Mumbai winning the quarterfinals in 2009 first innings lead. At Eden, which usually rolls out pitches that help quicks, it appears Mumbai has a definite edge because of the presence of star power and also their ability to come good in knockouts. With Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane all part of the side, if Mumbai can survive Haryana’s all-round attack then they can smell of another semifinal appearance. Haryana need to bring their A-game here.
Jammu & Kashmir vs Kerala at Pune, 9.30 AM
Because of the extreme cold conditions in Srinagar, J&K are playing this fixture in Pune which could help Kerala in a way. J&K’s march to the quarterfinals, defeating Mumbai in their backyard en route, has been amongst the stories of the season. They have a chance to make hory should they overcome Kerala. Right through this season, J&K has shown they have a team for all conditions and with a bowling unit that is on song, they should fancy their chances against Kerala which is overly reliant on their spinners, especially Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate. Having pushed the likes of Madhya Pradesh and Bengal and beaten Punjab, Kerala are not pushovers either. It is a battle of the equals.
Saurashtra vs Gujarat at Rajkot, 9.30 AM
A der in the quarterfinals always adds to the drama and between the two, recent Ranji powerhouses Saurashtra would start as firm favourites. A qualification to knockouts looked far-fetched at the end of five rounds, but Saurashtra have bounced back with their senior players leading from the front again. In Cheteshwar Pujara and Jayden Unadkat, they have two old warhorses and but also have a new crop of players coming through as well. Gujarat, on the other hand, don’t have a star quotient but have been performing together as a unit. How well they rise up to the challenge of facing the seasoned campaigners would ultimately decide the outcome of this contest.
All matches Live on Jio Cinema
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