The Ranji Trophy final between Vidarbha and Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium has taken a dramatic turn. Chasing a mammoth target of 538, Vidarbha displayed exceptional grit and determination to bat through Day Four and extend the match into the final day.
Karun Nair, Akshay Wadkar Lead Vidarbha Fightback
Veteran batsman Karun Nair led the fightback for Vidarbha with a defiant knock of 74 runs. He batted for nearly five hours, anchoring the innings on a pitch that offered slow turn. Wicketkeeper-batsman Akshay Wadkar provided crucial support with a fluent unbeaten 56, his uppercut off Tushar Deshpande being the shot of the day.
Early Setbacks Overcome by Crucial Innings in Ranji Trophy Final
Vidarbha lost their openers cheaply but a dropped catch by Hardik Tamore on Karun Nair proved to be a turning point. Nair capitalized on the reprieve and built a solid foundation for his team.
The middle order also chipped in with contributions, with Atharva Taide (32) and Aman Mokhade (32) providing valuable support. Captain Akshay Wadkar upped the scoring rate after his arrival, ensuring Vidarbha finished the day at a respectable 248/5.
Mumbai Spinners Keep Pressure On
Despite Vidarbha’s fightback, the Mumbai spin trio of Shams Mulani, Shreyas Gopal, and Musheer Khan kept the pressure on. They bowled long spells and exploited the turning pitch, picking up two wickets each. Musheer Khan’s dismissal of Karun Nair just before stumps was a crucial breakthrough for Mumbai.
All to Play For on the Ranji Trophy Final Day
With three days of excellent batting by Mumbai and a day of resolute defense by Vidarbha, the stage is set for a thrilling final day at the Wankhede Stadium. Can Vidarbha pull off a miraculous chase, or will Mumbai emerge victorious?