Mumbai has secured a position in the final of the Ranji Trophy for an impressive 48th time following a dominant performance against Tamil Nadu, clinching victory by an innings and 70 runs within three days during the second semifinal of the 2023/24 season at the Bandra Kurla Complex Ground on Monday.
Starting the day at 353/9 in their first innings, Mumbai bolstered their overnight total by an additional 25 runs, establishing a commanding lead of 232 runs over Tamil Nadu. Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande orchestrated a formidable partnership of 88 runs for the final wicket. However, Kotian fell short of a century, remaining unbeaten on 89, while Deshpande was dismissed by Washington Sundar for 26, concluding Mumbai’s first innings at 378 in 106.5 overs.
The second innings of Tamil Nadu was marred by instability as Shardul Thakur, after a crucial 109, swiftly dispatched openers Narayan Jagadeesan and B Sai Sudharsan. Subsequently, Sundar's dismissal by Mohit Avasthi left Tamil Nadu reeling at 10/3. Despite a resilient 70 from Baba Indrajith, coupled with a 73-run partnership with Pradosh Ranjan Paul for the fourth wicket, the collapse continued with the fall of Paul and Indrajith, followed by Vijay Shankar and R. Sai Kishore in rapid succession. Ultimately, Mumbai successfully bowled out Tamil Nadu for a mere 162 in 51.5 overs, with left-arm spinner Shams Mulani claiming 4-53, supported by Player of the Match Thakur, Avasthi, and Kotian, each securing two wickets.
Having secured their 41st Ranji Trophy title in the 2015/16 season, Mumbai eagerly awaits the outcome of the semifinal duel between Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh, currently underway at VCA Stadium in Nagpur. The title showdown is scheduled to take place in Mumbai from March 10-14, with the iconic Wankhede Stadium poised as the likely venue.
Meanwhile, in Nagpur, Vidarbha's batsmen, led by Yash Rathod's unbeaten 97 and Akshay Wadkar's 77, propelled the hosts to conclude the day at 343/6, establishing a lead of 261 runs over Madhya Pradesh.
Brief scores: Tamil Nadu 146 & 162 all out in 51.5 overs (Baba Indrajith 70; Shams Mulani 4-53) lost to Mumbai 378 all out in 106.5 overs (Shardul Thakur 109, Tanush Kotian 89 not out; Sai Kishore 6-99) by an innings and 70 runs.
Vidarbha 170 & 343/6 in 90 overs (Yash Rathod 97 not out, Akshay Wadkar 77; Anubhav Agarwal 2-68) lead Madhya Pradesh 252 by 261 runs.
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