Posted by A Thumping Victory in Three Days
Mumbai, the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history, displayed their cricketing excellence by defeating Tamil Nadu by an innings and 70 runs in the semifinal at the BKS complex. This win ensured Mumbai’s entry into the final for a record 48th time, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh.
Mumbai’s First Innings Lead Proves Crucial
Mumbai resumed their first innings at 353/9, with a lead of 207 runs over Tamil Nadu’s paltry 146. A vital 88-run stand between Tanush Kotian (89*) and Tushar Deshpande (29) stretched their lead to 232 runs, before Deshpande was dismissed by R Sai Kishore. Mumbai finished with 378 runs on the board, giving them a huge advantage.
Tamil Nadu’s Second Innings Collapse
Tamil Nadu’s hopes of staging a comeback were dashed by Mumbai’s pace spearhead Shardul Thakur, who followed up his brilliant 109 with the bat with a fiery spell of 4/35. He removed both the openers Narayan Jagadeesan and Sai Sudharsan cheaply and also accounted for Baba Aparajith. Tamil Nadu was reduced to 10/3, and never recovered from there. Mohit Avasthi and Shams Mulani also chipped in with three wickets each, as Tamil Nadu folded for 162 in 51.5 overs. Only Baba Indrajith showed some resistance with a fighting 70, but it was not enough to save his team from a humiliating defeat.
Match Summary
Mumbai outplayed Tamil Nadu in all departments, scoring 378 and bowling out Tamil Nadu for 146 and 162, to register a comprehensive victory by an innings and 70 runs. Shardul Thakur was the star of the match, with a century and four wickets, while Shams Mulani also contributed with a half-century and six wickets. Mumbai will now look forward to defending their title in the final.
Vidarbha’s Remarkable Comeback in Nagpur Semifinal
In the other semifinal in Nagpur, Vidarbha staged a stunning recovery in their second innings, after being bowled out for 170 in their first innings. They ended the third day at 343/6, with a lead of 261 runs over Madhya Pradesh, setting up an exciting finish on the final day.
Vidarbha’s Batsmen Show Character
Vidarbha, who were trailing by 82 runs after the first innings, lost Akshay Wakhare early on the third day, but recovered through a 64-run partnership between Aman Mokhade (38) and Dhruv Shorey (41). However, Madhya Pradesh’s bowlers struck back, reducing Vidarbha to 161/5. At this stage, Yash Rathod and Akshay Wadkar joined forces and put on a magnificent 182-run stand, taking Vidarbha past the 300-run mark. Rathod remained unbeaten on 97, while Wadkar fell for 77. Karun Nair also chipped in with a quick 32.
Vidarbha’s Lead Poses a Challenge for Madhya Pradesh
Vidarbha will hope to extend their lead as much as possible on the final day, with Rathod eyeing a well-deserved century. Madhya Pradesh will have to bowl out Vidarbha quickly and chase down the target, which could be tricky on a fourth-day pitch. The match is evenly poised, with both teams having a chance to make it to the final.
Match Summary
Vidarbha showed great character and resilience in their second innings, scoring 343/6 and taking a lead of 261 runs over Madhya Pradesh, after being dismissed for 170 in their first innings. Yash Rathod was the hero of the day, with an unbeaten 97, while Akshay Wadkar also scored a valuable 77. Madhya Pradesh will have to pull off a remarkable chase on the final day to win the match.
Conclusion
The Ranji Trophy semifinals witnessed some high-quality cricket, with Mumbai dominating Tamil Nadu and Vidarbha making a remarkable comeback against Madhya Pradesh. The final will be a clash of the titans, as Mumbai will face either Vidarbha or Madhya Pradesh, who are both determined to challenge Mumbai’s supremacy.