Ranji Trophy semis: Himanshu Mantri slams his 6th FC century
Himanshu Mantri was the star batter for Madhya Pradesh on Day 2 against Vidarbha in the 2024 Ranji Trophy semi-finals. The wicket-keeper hammered his sixth First-Class century as he was MP's lone warrior in the first innings. Courtesy of his 126-run knock, MP were able to take an 82-run lead over Vidarbha in the semi-final. MP managed to compile 252 in the first innings.
A valiant hand from the opening batter
Mantri added 20 runs with Yash Dubey before the latter was dismissed. He then added 61 runs with Harsh Gawali. He showed great determination to keep the scoreboard ticking as he forged a 52-run stand with Sagar Solanki. Later, Mantri stitched up a 73-run stand with Saransh Jain. His knock was studded with 12 boundaries and a six. Ultimately, Akshay Wakhare dismissed him.
Mantri hammered third century of the 2024 Ranji Trophy campaign
Mantri has been a pivotal player for Madhya Pradesh in the 2024 Ranji Trophy campaign. The wicket-keeper batter has amassed 639 runs this season in eight matches at an average of 49.15. Notably, this was his third century of the ongoing season along with two fifties. As per ESPNcricinfo, Mantri is the highest run-getter for MP in the 2024 Ranji Trophy campaign.
Decoding Mantri's runs in the 2024 Ranji Trophy
Mantri hammered a 119 against Odisha in his opening match. He scored 8 and 14 against Delhi. He scored a 77 against Puducherry. He missed out against Himachal Pradesh (18) before smashing 111 versus Baroda. He returned with scores of 50 and 22 against J&K. Mantri slammed 49 and 43 against Andhra Pradesh in the preceding encounter.
A look at his FC numbers
Playing his 28th First-Class match, Mantri has amassed 1,837 runs at an average above 38. Apart from six centuries, he also owns as many fifties in red-ball cricket. The southpaw has been a regular player for Madhya Pradesh in recent years, especially in the Ranji Trophy. He was part of the historic MP team that won their maiden Ranji Trophy honor in 2022.
