Mmbai Triumphs in Ranji Trophy Final Despite Vidarbha’s Lower-Order Fightback
Mmbai, the powerhouse of Indian domestic cricket, captured their 42nd Ranji Trophy title on Thursday, defeating Vidarbha by a commanding 169 runs at the Wankhede Stadium. While the final margin of victory was significant, Mumbai faced a determined challenge from Vidarbha’s skipper Akshay Wadkar (102) and his crucial 130-run partnership with Harsh Dubey (65).
The early stages of the final day belonged to Vidarbha as Wadkar and Dubey extended their overnight partnership, frustrating the Mumbai attack. Despite a turning pitch offering variable bounce, the duo displayed grit, raising hopes of an improbable comeback.
However, with a substantial target remaining, Mumbai needed just one breakthrough. Tanush Kotian provided the key wicket, trapping Wadkar LBW to an off-break delivery.
The momentum shifted decisively in Mumbai’s favor. Tushar Deshpande followed suit, dismissing Dubey with a well-directed short ball. The short-ball tactic continued to pay dividends, with Aditya Sarvate miscuing a pull shot and Yash Thakur being cleaned up by Kotian.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane then handed the ball to Dhawal Kulkarni, who fittingly ended the contest by castling Umesh Yadav in his farewell match.
Mumbai’s Lower Order Provides Crucial First Innings Lead
Earlier, Vidarbha, opting to bowl first in seamer-friendly conditions, started well, reducing Mumbai from a promising 81/0 to a precarious 111/6. However, true to their reputation, Mumbai’s lower order rose to the occasion. Shardul Thakur (75) led the fightback with a counter-attacking innings, leaving the Vidarbha bowlers bewildered.
His aggressive batting, coupled with Vidarbha’s lack of clarity in their bowling plans, ensured Mumbai posted a respectable total.
Thakur continued his impressive run of form with the ball, dismissing Dhruv Shorey for a duck. Kulkarni (3-15) then ripped through the Vidarbha top order, while spinners Tanush Kotian (3-7) and Shams Mulani (3-32) shared the remaining spoils.
Vidarbha were dismissed cheaply on the second morning, handing Mumbai a crucial 119-run first innings lead.
Solid batting performances from Musheer Khan (136), Shreyas Iyer (95), and Ajinkya Rahane (73) in the second innings further bolstered Mumbai’s position. Musheer, in particular, played a classical red-ball innings, anchoring the Mumbai batting with a near-flawless display.
Shams Mulani also chipped in with a valuable half-century, pushing Mumbai’s lead beyond the 500-run mark.
While Vidarbha’s bowlers, with the exception of Dubey (5-144), toiled in the second innings, a valiant partnership between Wadkar and Dubey on the final day threatened to delay the inevitable.
Ultimately, Mumbai’s experience and big-game mentality proved decisive, securing their 42nd Ranji Trophy title after an eight-year hiatus.
