Mumbai Dominates Ranji Trophy Final with Musheer Khan's Heroics
Vidarbha Faces Uphill Battle After Mumbai Sets Formidable Target
On Day III of the Ranji Trophy final versus Vidarbha, young Musheer Khan maintained his meteoric rise with a magnificent 136, placing Mumbai in an unbeatable position. Shreyas Iyer (95) and Ajinkya Rahane (73), too, made important contributions on Tuesday.
After setting a 538-run target against a battered Vidarbha, who were still missing their most successful bowler, Aditya Sarwate, Mumbai had one hand on their 42nd title at stumps on the third day.
Sarfaraz Khan's younger brother, Musheer, is 19 years old and made an immediate impression on his Test debut in the recently finished series against England.
Mumbai's batsmen hammered home the advantage with a clear plan and execution on the third day, as they amassed 418 in their second innings, whereas the second day was all about them taking a measured approach to extend their lead.
With two days remaining, Vidarbha needed to win by 528 runs after they were 10 for no loss in their second innings, with openers Dhruv Shorey (7) and Atharva Taide (3) going unharmed.
Rahane, who resumed at 58 on Tuesday, got off to a good start with a four but lost the match to Vidarbha's left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey (5/144) for the second time.
With five fours and a six, Rahane was dismissed for 73 off 143 balls by Dubey after the Mumbai captain's bat had an outside edge.
Iyer and captain Rahane took full use of the chance. Iyer started off with a lofted drive for a six over the head of Vidarbha bowler Aditya Thakare. His 95 from 111 balls included 10 fours and three sixes.
Iyer's innings was full of balls that found their way into all parts of the ground, but his fifty-six came off an outside edge that sailed past the two slip fielders. Iyer's innings consisted of two halves: in the first, he was stroking his way into the eighties, but in the second, his pace dropped down to the point where he lost patience and gave up his wicket.
Musheer and Iyer's outstanding batting virtually stole the game away from Vidarbha.
Brief scores: Yash Thakur 3/79, Harsh Dubey 5/144; Mumbai 224 & 418 (Musheer Khan 136, Ajinkya Rahane 73, Shreyas Iyer 95, Shams Mulani 50 n.o.). 10/0 and Vidarbha 105. Day III at stumps.
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