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Madhya Pradesh have put themselves in strong position in Ranji Trophy final at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Centuries from opener Yash Dubey and Shubham Sharma helped Madhya Pradesh narrow down the trail to just six runs with seven wickets in hand. After the end of Day 3's play, Madhya Pradesh are 368/3 and will back themselves to win their maiden Ranji Trophy title on the basis of first innings score.
While two centuries were scored on Day 3, Madhya Pradesh did not pile on a mountain of runs. Dubey and Sharma shared a 222-run partnership for the second wicket. Mumbai bowlers were kept on bay in the first session as they did not get enough help from the Bengaluru pitch.
It was Mohit Avasthi who provided the much-needed breakthrough in the second session. Shubham got out after scoring 116 runs from 215 deliveries including 15 fours and one six. Meanwhile, Dubey continued to frustrate the Mumbai bowlers. Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani got his first wicket of the match by forcing an outside edge off Dubey's bat. The opener scored 133 runs from 336 deliveries including 14 fours.
Rajat Patidar took advantage of the tired Mumbai bowlers and scored quickly. Patidar got to his half-century from just 44 deliveries. He slowed down after the wicket of Dubey as Madhya Pradesh did not want to suffer a batting collapse towards the end of the day and lose their advantage against the Prithvi Shaw-led side.
At Stumps, Day 3, Patidar was batting on 67 off 106 deliveries whereas skipper Aditya Shrivastava remained not out for 11.
A total of 245 runs were scored on Day 3. The plan should be clear from Madhya Pradesh on Day 4. They will look to bat at least for two sessions and post a big total on the board. Even if Mumbai manage to set a total in a few sessions, Madhya Pradesh will be able to win their maiden title as long as they don’t suffer a collapse.
