Srinagar: The stalwart of Indian Test test test and one of the best to ever play Ranji Trophy, Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday scored his record breaking 17th double century in first class cricket while playing in Ranji trophy match between Saurashtra and Jharkhandh.
Pujrara who was unbeaten on 157 overnight, ended with 243 not out off 356 balls as Saurashtra declared their first innings at 578 for four in response to Jharkhand’s 142 all in the first innings, gaining a massive lead of 436 runs.
The declaration came after Mankad (104 not out off 176) completed his second first-class hundred.
The 103 Test veteran Pujara’s marathon effort comprised of 30 fours. It was Pujara’s eighth double hundred in Ranji Trophy and 17th first-class double ton. It ties him up with Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash.
He is now behind only the great Don Bradman (37), Wally Haymond (36) and Patsy Hendren (22). The 35-year-old also has three triple hundreds in first-class cricket.
Brief scores:
Jharkhand 142 in 49 overs and 140/2 in 45 overs (Kumar Deobrat 74 batting; Prerak Mankad 2/12) vs Saurashtra 578/4 decl in 156 overs (Harvik Desai 85, Sheldon Jackson 54, Cheteshwar Pujara 243 not out, Prerak Mankad 104 not out).