Cheteshwar Pujara hit an unbeaten century to guide Saurashtra to the Ranji Trophy final after they outclassed Karnataka by five wickets in the semi-final in Bengaluru, on Monday.
Pujara continued his recent good run with the bat, as he finished unbeaten 131 from 266 balls, helping the visitors chase down a tricky 279 for victory, on the fifth and final day at the M Chinnaswamy stadium.
The win helped Saurashtra set up a title clash with defending champions Vidarbha, who beat Kerala in the other semi-final, in Nagpur from February 3-7.
Pujara turned the tide in the visitor's favour as he put on a match-winning of 214 runs for the fourth wicket with Sheldon Jackson, who played an impressive innings of 100.
Saurashtra, who need 55 runs on the final day, continued to bat with great determination.
The young Jackson soon completed his century, his 16th first class cricket, as the visitors gradually inched their way towards victory.
Veteran pacer Vinay Kumar lifted Karnataka's spirits with wicket of Jackson, but it was a bit too late as by then Saurashtra had closed in on victory.
Meanwhile, Pujara continued his recent golden run with the bat, starting from the Australia, where he had finished the player of the series.
Pujara did get a couple of lucky reprieves in this match but it could be blamed on the umpiring standards which have been below par during the season.
Even the 'cheater cheater' boos by the home fans at the M Chinnaswamy stadium didn't unsettle him.
Saurashtra, who are chasing their maiden Ranji title, will be playing in the final for the third time.
