Shaw’s double ton lights up Ranji Trophy Day 3

Prithvi Shaw produced a breathtaking display of stroke play, slamming the third-fastest double century by an Indian in first-class cricket, as Maharashtra took complete control of their Ranji Trophy Group B clash against Chandigarh on Monday.

Shaw’s whirlwind 222 off just 156 balls powered Maharashtra to an imposing second-innings total of 359 for three declared in only 52 overs, setting Chandigarh a mammoth victory target of 464. The 25-year-old opener reached his double ton in just 141 balls, placing him behind only Tanmay Agarwal (119 balls vs Arunachal Pradesh, 2024) and Ravi Shastri (123 balls vs Baroda, 1985) in the record books.

At stumps on Day 3, Chandigarh showed some fight through openers Arjun Azad (63 not out) and skipper Manan Vohra (53 not out), who guided their side to 129 for one in 34 overs. However, the mountain ahead remains steep, with 335 runs still needed and two full days to survive.

Shaw, who resumed the day on 41, went on to dominate the Chandigarh bowlers with stunning precision and flair. His innings was laced with 29 boundaries and five sixes, marking his 14th first-class hundred and first for Maharashtra. He brought up his century in just 72 balls, maintaining an aggressive tempo throughout.

This innings also underlines a strong return to form for the out-of-favour India batter, who had scored 75 in his Ranji debut for Maharashtra earlier this season after a first-innings duck against Kerala. His performance on Monday reaffirmed his reputation as one of India’s most naturally gifted stroke-makers.

Karnataka in command against Goa

At Shivamogga, Arjun Tendulkar’s fighting knock of 43 not out helped Goa recover from a top-order collapse, but Karnataka remained firmly in control by the end of the third day.

Replying to Karnataka’s first-innings total of 371, Goa were struggling at 115 for six before Tendulkar and Mohit Redkar (24 not out) stitched together a gritty 56-run stand for the seventh wicket. The duo ensured Goa reached 171 for six at stumps, still trailing by 200 runs.

Tendulkar’s innings came off 115 balls and included five fours and a six. Earlier, Karnataka’s bowlers, led by Abhilash Shetty (3/63) and Vidwath Kaverappa, ripped through Goa’s top order to maintain their dominance.

Lalit Yadav contributed a patient 36 off 96 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered under consistent pressure.

On the previous day, Karun Nair’s brilliant 174 had anchored Karnataka’s innings. The former India Test batter, who recently missed national selection, reminded everyone of his class with his 25th first-class hundred.

Other matches

At Rajkot, Saurashtra were dismissed for 260, while Madhya Pradesh reached a commanding 355 for nine, courtesy of Yash Dubey’s 159 and Saransh Jain’s unbeaten 103. Veteran Jaidev Unadkat stood out for Saurashtra with figures of 4 for 33.

At Mullanpur, Punjab’s Harnoor Singh continued his purple patch with a splendid 170 as Punjab posted 436 in their first innings. In reply, Kerala were 158 for four at stumps, with Ankit Sharma scoring a valiant 62.

Brief scores:

At Chandigarh: Maharashtra 313 & 359/3 decl (Prithvi Shaw 222) vs Chandigarh 209 & 129/1 (Arjun Azad 63, Manan Vohra 53). At Shivamogga: Karnataka 371 (Karun Nair 174) vs Goa 171/6 (Arjun Tendulkar 43). At Rajkot: Saurashtra 260 vs MP 355/9 (Yash Dubey 159, Saransh Jain 103). At Mullanpur:* Punjab 436 (Harnoor Singh 170) vs Kerala 158/4 (Ankit Sharma 62).