Mumbai advances to 48th Ranji Trophy final with impressive victory over Tamil Nadu
Mumbai Enters Ranji Trophy Final for 48th Time
Mumbai secured their spot in the final of the Ranji Trophy for the 48th time by defeating Tamil Nadu by an innings and 70 runs in the second semifinal of the 2023/24 season at the Bandra Kurla Complex Ground on Monday. Mumbai resumed their first innings, adding 25 runs to take a lead of 232 runs over Tamil Nadu.
Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande’s partnership of 88 runs for the final wicket was crucial, but Mumbai’s first innings concluded at 378 with Kotian stranded on 89. Shardul Thakur’s excellent performance in Tamil Nadu’s second innings sent back key players as they struggled at 10/3.
Despite Baba Indrajith’s gritty 70 and a partnership with Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mumbai’s bowling attack led by Shams Mulani dominated, bowling out Tamil Nadu for 162. Mumbai, with Thakur being named Player of the Match, now await the winner of the semifinal clash between Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh for the title clash in Mumbai from March 10-14.
In the other semifinal in Nagpur, Vidarbha holds the edge with Yash Rathod’s unbeaten 97 and Akshay Wadkar’s 77, helping the hosts reach 343/6 with a lead of 261 runs over Madhya Pradesh. The intense competition in the Ranji Trophy promises an exciting final round of matches.
