In an enthralling quarterfinal showdown at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, the city's cricket team clinched a spot in the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy 2024, overcoming Baroda in a closely contested match. Mumbai's triumph was secured on the strength of a first-innings lead, setting up an eagerly anticipated clash with Tamil Nadu in the semi-final, scheduled to commence on Saturday, March 2.
Musheer Khan laid the foundation for Mumbai
The foundation for Mumbai's victory was laid in their first batting effort, where they amassed a total of 384 runs in 140.4 overs. The highlight of the innings was Musheer Khan's magnificent double century, scoring 203, complemented by wicketkeeper Hardik Tamore's diligent 57 off 248 balls. This performance provided Mumbai with a crucial 76-run lead after they managed to dismiss Baroda for 348 runs in their first innings. Shams Mulani emerged as a standout bowler for Mumbai, delivering a stellar performance with figures of 38-3-121-4.
Despite impressive centuries from Shashwat Rawat and Baroda captain Vishnu Solanki, who scored 124 and 136 respectively, Baroda fell short of securing a lead, setting the stage for Mumbai's second-innings heroics.
Troika of centurions for Mumbai in second innings
Mumbai's batters responded with a formidable display in their second innings, piling up a massive 569 runs. The innings was marked by centuries from Hardik Tamore, Tanush Kotian, and Tushar Deshpande. Tamore opened strongly with 114 runs, but it was the record-breaking 233-run partnership between Kotian and Deshpande for the 10th wicket that captured the spotlight.
Kotian's 120 runs included 10 fours and 4 sixes, while Deshpande's aggressive 123 runs off 129 balls featured 10 fours and 8 sixes, propelling Mumbai to set a daunting target.
Bhargav Bhatt's marathon spell
On the bowling front for Baroda, Bhargav Bhatt shone with figures of 52-7-200-7, though his efforts ultimately couldn't tilt the match in Baroda's favor. Teammates Raj Limbani, Ninad Rathva, and Mahesh Pithiya each contributed with a wicket.
In their second innings, Baroda managed to score 121/3 wickets in 30 overs, with opener Priyanshu Moliya scoring a resilient 54 off 89 balls. Tanush Kotian, fresh from his batting exploits, also made his presence felt with the ball, claiming the wickets of Moliya and Rawat.
With this win, Mumbai advances to face Tamil Nadu in what promises to be a riveting semi-final encounter. Meanwhile, Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh are set to battle it out in the other semi-final at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, ensuring cricket fans are in for an exciting conclusion to the Ranji Trophy 2024.
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