Pujara, Jadeja inspire India Blue to historic Duleep Trophy title

Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Sept.14 (ANI): All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja scalped 10 wickets overall as India Blue claimed a comprehensive 355-run win over India Red to lift the 2016 Duleep Trophy here at Greater Noida Sports Complex on Wednesday. Played under lights with the pink ball for the first time, the historic 2016 edition of the Duleep Trophy was dominated by the Blue unit. India Blue were already in a commanding position coming into the last day of the final Test match with a massive lead of 476 runs. Resuming at the overnight score of 139 for 3 in their second innings, Rohit Sharma and Jadeja got off to a slow start, contributing mere 32 and 17 runs respectively before Gautam Gambhir's side declared their innings at 179-5. Chasing an improbable 517-run target, India Red were bundled out for 161 runs, with Gulkeerat Singh being the top scorer with 37-ball 39. Jadeja was the pick of the bowler for India Blue as he finished with the figures of five for 76 to add to his first innings' five-wicket haul. Karan Sharma was the second highest wicket-taker for India Blue, finishing the match with five wickets overall. Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara was declared `Man of the Match` for his splendid double century in the first innings. He smashed 28 boundaries in his unbeaten 256-run knock besides sharing a huge-243 run partnership with Sheldon Jackson (134) to propel his side post a big first innings target of 693 runs.(ANI)