As the left-arm pacer claimed a hat-trick in the first over of the Group B encounter on Tuesday at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat wrote history on his comeback to the Ranji Trophy and destroyed Delhi's top order.
In the history of the Ranji Trophy, this was the first first-over hat trick ever.
Dismissing Dhruv Shorey, Vaibhav Rawal, and Yash Dhull off the third, fourth, and fifth deliveries gave Unadkat a hat-trick in the opening over of the game.
By the end of his second over, he had added two more dismissals to his collection—Lalit Yadav and Lakshay Thareja—making it his 21st five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
Unadkat took six wickets overall despite giving up 29 runs in nine overs as Delhi were reduced to 10 for seven following a thrilling start.
Unadkat led all wicket-takers last month as Saurashtra advanced to the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. In ten games, he took 19 wickets for an economy of 3.33.
In Mirpur, the 31-year-old was also called up for a Test. As India won the series 2-0 in Bangladesh, he claimed three victims.
Saurashtra is attempting to reach the knockout rounds. They presently hold the third spot in Group B after three games, with 12 points, including one win and two ties.
Delhi, on the other hand, is struggling this season with just 2 points following a 9-wicket loss to Maharashtra and draws with Assam and Tamil Nadu.
Currently, Mumbai and Maharashtra are ranked #1 and second, respectively.