Ranji Trophy 2023/24 final: Mumbai in driving seat against Vidarbha
Mumbai are in the driving seat against Vidarbha in the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy final being played at the Wankhede Stadium. The hosts gained a 60-run lead on Day 2, bowling Vidarbha out for 105. Dhawal Kulkarni, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian took three wickets each. Mumbai finished on 141/2 at stumps, with Musheer Khan (51*) and skipper Ajinkya Rahane (58*) returning unbeaten.
A look at Day 2 summary
Vidarbha started the proceedings (Day 2) with their overnight score of 31/3. The hosts perished for 224 after being invited to bat on Day 1. Vidarbha couldn't steady their ship as Kulkarni, Mulani, and Kotian kept making inroads. They were soon down to 97/8 and ended on 105. In reply, Mumbai lost Prithvi Shaw and Bhupen Lalwani early before Rahane and Musheer stepped up.
Rahane bounces back
Though Mumbai earned a hefty 119-run first-innings lead, they lost two quick wickets in their second outing. Rahane arrived as the scorecard read 34/2. He joined forces with Musheer (51*) as Mumbai didn't lose any more wickets on Day 2. Meanwhile, the Mumbai skipper played some fine shots and walked back unbeaten on 58 off 109 balls (4 fours, 1 six).
Mumbai eye 42nd Ranji Trophy title
Mumbai, playing their 48th Ranji Trophy final, beat Tamil Nadu in the semi-finals. They are the only side to have won the premier First-Class trophy more than 10 times. Mumbai have a record 41 Ranji Trophy titles to their name. They last won the title in the 2015/16 season. Karnataka follow Mumbai in terms of Ranji Trophy titles, with eight of them.
Another considerable knock from Musheer
Musheer Khan has looked composed in the second innings so far. Sharing a century-plus stand with Rahane, Musheer returned unbeaten on 51 off 135 balls (3 fours). He has smacked three 50+ scores in five innings as of now.
What about the bowlers?
Seamer Dhawal Kulkarni was the pick of Mumbai's bowlers in the first innings. He took three wickets and conceded only 15 runs in 11 overs, including five maidens. Shams Mulani accounted for three wickets for 32 runs in 12 overs. Tanush Kotian also took as many wickets, having conceded just seven runs in 4.3 overs, including a maiden.
