Mumbai clinched their 42nd Ranji Trophy title after 169-run win over Vidarbha on Day 5 of the final clash at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium on March 14, Thursday. Tanush Kotian's four-fer thwarted Vidarbha from chasing down the colossal target of 538.
Needing a mammoth 290 runs on the final day to win the Ranji Trophy final while chasing 538, Vidarbha looked promising in the morning session. A 130-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Akshay Wadkar and Harsh Dubey did instil hopes in Vidarbha's minds. However, their dismissals in quick succession effectively ended Vidarbha's challenge of clinching a third Ranji Trophy title. Wiith this Mumbai ended their eight-year wait of Ranji Trophy title.
Mumbai's long-awaited triumph
Having last clinched the title in 2015-16, Mumbai finally ended their drought, dethroning two-time champions Vidarbha. Despite winning their previous two Ranji finals, Vidarbha fell short this time. Set a monumental target of 538, they ended Day 4 with a glimmer of hope, having reached 248/5.
Akshay Wadkar (56*) and Harsh Dubey held their ground in the initial session, even reducing the remaining target below 100 runs. Wadkar even reached a well-deserved century, putting some pressure on Mumbai. However, their hopes were dashed with the fall of crucial wickets in quick succession. Mumbai capitalised on the opportunity, successfully defending their massive total and claiming the coveted Ranji Trophy title.
Mumbai's strong batting foundation
Musheer Khan (136) and Shreyas Iyer (95) anchored Mumbai's second innings with crucial centuries. Their contributions propelled Mumbai to a commanding total of 418, setting a mammoth target of 538 for Vidarbha.
Vidarbha's Fightback
Despite facing a daunting task, Vidarbha displayed commendable fighting spirit. Karun Nair (74), skipper Akshay Wadkar (102), and Harsh Dubey (65) played valiant knocks, briefly raising hopes of an improbable chase. However, spinner Tanush Kotian proved to be the hero for Mumbai, claiming a crucial wicket - the dismissal of Wadkar - which effectively ended Vidarbha's challenge. Kotian finished the match with a magnificent seven-wicket haul.
Shardul Thakur's vital knock of 75 in the first innings further bolstered Mumbai's position, while Musheer Khan also chipped in with crucial wickets in the second innings.
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