Mumbai Takes Control in Ranji Trophy Semi-final Against Tamil Nadu; Madhya Pradesh Strong Against Vidarbha
Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur Shine for Mumbai; Avesh Khan Leads Madhya Pradesh's Charge
On the first day of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy semi-final match against Tamil Nadu on Saturday, Tushar Deshpande (3/24) and Shardul Thakur (2/48) placed Mumbai ahead.
At the BKC Ground, Tamil Nadu captain B. Sai Kishore's choice to bat first proved to be misguided as the visitors were dismissed for only 146 runs.
If it was any comfort, Mumbai reached 45/2 at stumps thanks to two ball strikes from Tamil Nadu.
Prithvi Shaw (5) and Bhupen Lalwani (15), the openers for Mumbai, went out, leaving Musheer Khan (batting at number 24) and Mohit Avasthi at the crease.
Mumbai proved to be the stronger team as the visitors struggled on a track that had movement off the surface and a bend for spinners.
After a dismal start to their first semi-final in seven years, Tamil Nadu was left reeling and gave up soon after tea, even with a valiant effort from Washington Sundar (43) and Vijay Shankar (44).
The speed unit of Madhya Pradesh, headed by Avesh Khan, produced accurate lengths on a surface with sufficient carry to dismiss Vidarbha for 170 in the other semi-final held in Nagpur.
The best bowler for MP was Avesh (4/49), who had strong assistance from Venkatesh Iyer (2/28) and Kulwant Khejroliya (2/38).
Madhya Pradesh ended their first innings at 47 for one.
Combined scores
Mumbai: TN 146 (Shardul Thakur 2/48, Tushar Deshpande 3/24, Tanush Kotian 2/10; Vijay Shankar 44, Washington Sundar 43). Mumbai 45/2.
Nagpur: Vidarbha 170 (Kulwant Khejroliya 2/38, Venkatesh Iyer 2/28, Karun Nair 63, Atharva Taide 39). MP 47/1.
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