Ranji Trophy 2024: Mumbai Ease Past Tamil Nadu to Secure Record 48th Final – News18

In the Ranji Trophy 2024, Mumbai secured their spot in the finals after beating Tamil Nadu by an innings and 70 runs as they aim to extend their record as the most successful side in the tournament.

The match which took place at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC, Mumbai, saw Shardul Thakur stealing the spotlight from the returning Shreyas Iyer as he managed to put in an all-round performance to take home the Player of the Match award.

Tamil Nadu had won the toss and chose to bat. However, the side was dominated by the host’s bowling attack as they were bundled out for just 146 runs in the first innings. Tushar Deshpande picked up three wickets while the trio of Shardul Thakur, Musheer Khan and Tanush Kotian picked up two each to put the home side in front.

The visitors managed to put in a decent shift with the ball as the skipper R Sai Kishore led from the front to get the big names in the Mumbai top-order out. Musheer Khan however, managed to score a crucial fifty but this was outshone by Shardul Thakur who went on to score his maiden first-class century to put the side back in the game. Tanush Kotian also continued his good form with the bat scoring 89 as the home side got a lead of 232 runs in the first innings.

Thakur managed to deliver with the ball as well by picking up the wickets of the opening pair of N Jagadeesan and Sai Sudharshan for cheap. Washington Sundar who went out at number three failed to get going after departing for just 4 runs. Baba Indrajith was the lone batter fighting as the other experienced campaigners failed to capitalise after getting their starts. The spinner, Shams Mulani managed to pick up four wickets in the second innings to seal Mumbai’s record-extending, 48th final in the prestigious tournament.

Mumbai are set to take on either Vidarbha or Madhya Pradesh in the finals of the Ranji Trophy with the second semi-final fixture still going on at Nagpur, Maharashtra.