Mumbai, Mar 11: Hosts Mumbai were 141/2 in their second innings against Vidarbha on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy Final being played at the Wankhede Stadium, here on Monday.
Not only Mumbai consolidated their position with a crucial 260 runs lead in the summit clash, with 8 second innings wickets in hand, but more importantly their off-colour skipper Ajinkya Rahane, was finally amongst runs.
Team India former Test vice captain Rahane, known for his fine track-record to come good at crucial stages of a big match, was unbeaten on 58, with four hits to the fence and a towering six. He faced 109 balls and looked extremely at ease, reflecting his good old days flamboyancy and solidity.
Rahane showed enough caution and restraint in the early part of his innings, but slowly regained his old touch. He played each ball on merit, once he was well set.
The Mumbai skipper was ably supported at the other end by inform young all-rounder Musheer Khan, who too notched up a half century (51 in 135 balls, with three hits to the fence). He seems to be a bright prospect for future of Indian cricket.
Mumbai 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.
Rahane and Musheer added crucial 107 runs for the third wicket and stood tall amid fall of 9 wickets on the day.
Earlier, replying to Mumbai's first innings score of 224, Vidarbha could manage only 105 in their first innings. The 119 runs vital first innings lead definitely put Mumbai at a slight advantage.
Later, Musheer and Rahane consolidated their position, as Vidarbha bowlers tried desperately to break the vital third wicket partnership.
Since there are three more days of play left, if Vidarbha can remove the set batters early on Day 3 first session, the match can swing in either direction.
But if Mumbai continue to pile runs and set a target beyond 450, then in all likelihood, the hosts would walk away with another Ranji title.
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 twice. But experts still don't rule out Vidarbha bouncing back in the ongoing title clash. Because cricket being a game of uncertainty, anything is possible and Vidarbha have a record of making strong comebacks.
Practically, the course of the Ranji Trophy Final 2024, in all probability would be decided on Day 3 pre-Lunch session. If Rahane & Co can continue to bat well and dominate the proceedings, Mumbai winning another Ranji Final is almost imminent.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai: 224 & 141/2 in 50 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 58*, Musheer Khan 51*, Yash Thakur 1/25, Harsh Dubey 1/46).
Vidarbha: 105.
Match to Continue.
