NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu skipper R
Sai Kishore
etched his name in record books by becoming the third bowler from his state to claim
50 wickets
in a single
Ranji Trophy season
. Sai Kishore achieved this remarkable milestone during the semifinal clash against Mumbai at the BKC Ground on Sunday.
The left-arm spinner's exceptional feat came on the back of a sterling five-wicket haul that dismantled the Mumbai middle-order on Day Two of the semifinal encounter.
Despite Tamil Nadu enduring a batting collapse on the opening day, Sai Kishore's inspired bowling performance turned the tide in his team's favor.
WATCH:
Sai Kishore's pivotal role in the match was evident from the outset, as he swiftly made inroads into the Mumbai batting lineup. Trapping opener Bhupen Lalwani leg-before, Sai Kishore set the tone for his dominant display with the ball. His relentless pressure continued in the opening session, culminating in the dismissal of night-watchman Mohit Avasthi.
The defining moment of Sai Kishore's spell arrived when he accounted for the prized wicket of Mumbai skipper
Ajinkya Rahane
, inducing an outside-edge that was pouched by the slip fielder.
The left-arm spinner capped off his virtuoso performance by claiming successive scalps in the 48th over, dismissing the well-set Musheer Khan and then dismantling Shams Mulani's stumps with a vicious delivery that spun sharply.
Sai Kishore's sensational form in the ongoing
Ranji Trophy
season has been nothing short of remarkable. With at least four wickets in each of his last four innings, including a stellar nine-wicket haul in the quarterfinal against Saurashtra, the 27-year-old spinner has emerged as a potent force in Tamil Nadu's bowling arsenal.
By joining the esteemed company of legendary spinners S Venkataraghavan and Aashish Kapoor, Sai Kishore has solidified his status as one of the premier bowlers in domestic cricket. His 10th First-Class five-for across 39 matches underscores his consistency and impact on the field.
With six four-wicket hauls and three five-fors in the ongoing Ranji season, Sai Kishore's stellar performances exemplify his unwavering commitment to excellence and his invaluable contributions to Tamil Nadu's quest for glory in the prestigious tournament.
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