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The scoreline of 224 all out may not seem impressive, but the way Mumbai had to scrap for every run made their first innings total in the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha a monumental effort. When they crashed to 111/6, the domestic giants were staring down the barrel against Vidarbha’s probing seam attack.
Ranji Trophy Final: Mumbai Innings
When Mumbai began their first innings of the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha, they looked well set for a big total after a solid start from young opener Prithvi Shaw. The prodigious right-hander struck a fluent 46 off 63 balls to lay the foundation. However, Mumbai then suffered a dramatic collapse as Vidarbha’s pacers Harsh Dubey (3/62) and Yash Thakur (3/54) ripped through the top and middle order. From 81/1, Mumbai slumped to a precarious 111/6 as senior batters like Ajinkya Rahane (7) and Shreyas Iyer (7) failed to convert their starts.
Thakur Heroics: A Collapse
It seemed Mumbai were in danger of being bundled out for an sub-par total when their premier all-rounder Shardul Thakur strode out to the crease. Displaying his trademark unflustered approach, Thakur initially looked to rebuild before cutting loose. The turning point was the 47th over when Thakur smashed Yash Thakur for a six and two fours in an over that went for 18 runs. This seemed to instill confidence in Thakur as he then took on the other bowlers as well.
Playing with composure and intent, Thakur brought up his fifty off just 51 balls. He was particularly severe on the seamers, using his bottom-hand power to muscle the ball through the infield at will.
Crucially, Thakur also managed to stitch together two vital partnerships with the tail. First he added 42 runs for the 7th wicket with Shams Mulani, before putting together a game-changing 64-run stand with Tushar Deshpande for the 9th wicket.
By the time he finally fell for a brilliant counterattacking 75 off 69 balls, Thakur had ensured Mumbai had something to bowl at after being 111/6 at one stage. His innings was studded with 8 fours and 3 sixes as he displayed his entire repertoire of strokes. Thanks to Thakur’s heroics, Mumbai managed to post 224 all out after being in dire straits earlier on. It was an invaluable contribution that could prove to be the difference in a low-scoring Ranji final.
Vidarbha Innings: Top 3 Down
Thakur then followed up his brilliant batting display by striking an early blow with the ball as well. Vidarbha’s start to their reply could not have been worse as they lost both openers cheaply. Veteran seamer Dhawal Kulkarni provided the initial breakthrough by inducing an edge from Aman Mokhade which was smartly snapped up by Hardik Tamore behind the stumps.
Then it was Thakur’s turn to join the party as he produced a probing spell of seam bowling. His perseverance paid off when he trapped Dhruv Shorey plumb in front for a three-ball duck, reducing Vidarbha to 1/1. Kulkarni then struck again soon after by having the experienced Karun Nair caught behind for a duck as well. At 24/3, Vidarbha were in all sorts of trouble against the fired-up Mumbai attack.
However, young opener Atharva Taide has battled hard so far to prevent any further damage. His gritty 21* off 46 balls has ensured Vidarbha remain just about afloat at 31/3 at stumps on day 1. With the pitch showing signs of variable bounce, Mumbai will be keen to make further inroads with the second new ball due soon. Thakur and Kulkarni will be licking their lips at the prospect of having another crack at the shaky Vidarbha batting line-up.
But Taide’s defiance means the game is still delicately poised heading into day 2. If Vidarbha can string together a couple of partnerships, they may yet fight their way back into the contest.
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