Mumbai, Mar 12: Hosts Mumbai set a challenging 538 runs target for Vidarbha on Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy Final being played at the Wankhede Stadium, here on Tuesday.
In reply, Vidarbha were 10/0 in 2 overs in their second innings, when umpires announced stumps for Day 3.
Earlier, Mumbai scored 418 in their second innings. Young all-rounder Musheer Khan became the youngest Mumbai batsman to hit a century in a Ranji Trophy Final.
Nineteen-year-old Musheer toppled cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's 29-year-old record. Sachin had scored a century in a Ranji Trophy Final match, when he was 22.
Musheer scored 126 and slammed 10 boundaries during his marathon 326-ball innings. He has been Mumbai's find of the Ranji season this year, rescuing them on a few occasions with his excellent knocks.
In the final too, Musheer in company of his skipper Ajinkya Rahane, shared a vital 130 runs partnership for the 4th wicket in Mumbai's second innings, which ultimately helped the hosts to consolidate their position in the summit clash.
Apart from Musheer, Mumbai captain Rahane scored 73, Shreyas Iyer slammed 95 and left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani hit an unbeaten 50.
Among the Vidarbha bowlers, left-arm orthodox Harsh Dube topped the bowling chart with an impressive 5/144 figure in 48 overs. Pacer Yash Thakur (3/79), Aman Mokhade (1/17) and Aditya Thakare (1/39) too tested success.
On Monday, Mumbai had lost their two openers Prithvi Shaw (11) and Bhupen Lalwani (18) quickly. But from a tricky 34/2 in 11.2 overs, they avoided any more setback, as Rahane-Musheer pair controlled the game. The duo stood tall amid fall of 9 wickets on the day.
Earlier, replying to Mumbai's first innings score of 224, Vidarbha had managed only 105 in their first innings. The 119 runs vital first innings lead definitely put Mumbai at a driver's seat.
With 48 Final appearances, Mumbai have always proved their supremacy in Ranji Trophy. They hold the staggering record of lifting the prestigious Ranji Trophy 41 times till date.
On the contrary, Vidarbha have emerged victorious in Ranji Finals on two occasions. But with still two days time in hand, Vidarbha can back themselves to put up a fight and challenge the hosts.
Though appears tough, but a surprise Vidarbha victory can't be ruled out, considering strange things do happen in the game of cricket.
If the visitors do not lose early wickets on Day 4 and continue to score at a decent pace, then the last two days of Ranji Trophy Final 2024, may result in some interesting developments. Of course, the fans would be thrilled to witness a close fought title battle.
Brief Scores at Stumps Day 3:
Mumbai: 224 & 418
Vidarbha: 105 & 10/0 in 2 overs.
Match to Continue.
