Mumbai Lifts 42nd Ranji Trophy; Crushes Vidarbha's 538-Run Chase in Final

Mumbai has done it again. In a thrilling final at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, they clinched their 42nd Ranji Trophy title, cementing their legacy as the undisputed kings of Indian domestic cricket. They crushed a valiant Vidarbha side by a massive 169 runs in a match that had everything.

Key Takeaways

Mumbai defeated Vidarbha by 169 runs to win their 42nd Ranji Trophy title.
Vidarbha was set an enormous target of 538 runs in the final innings.
Dhawal Kulkarni, in his farewell first-class match, took the final wicket to seal the victory.
Tanush Kotian was named the Player of the Tournament for his all-round performance.
Mumbai received a prize money of Rs 5 crore for winning the championship.

The Impossible Chase

Look, chasing 538 runs in the final innings is a monumental task. But Vidarbha didn’t just roll over. Their skipper, Akshay Wadkar, stood tall and delivered a fantastic century, scoring 102 runs. He wasn’t alone. Harsh Dubey provided brilliant support with a gritty 65, and together they built a partnership that gave Mumbai a real scare.

You could feel the tension at Wankhede. Could they actually pull off the impossible? For a while, it seemed like they just might. But the pressure of a massive target and a relentless Mumbai bowling attack proved too much in the end.

How Mumbai Set Up the Victory

This win was built on the back of a dominant second-innings batting performance. After being bowled out for 224 in their first essay, where Shardul Thakur’s 75 was the saving grace, Mumbai came out firing. Youngster Musheer Khan smashed 136, while the experienced Shreyas Iyer blasted a quickfire 95. Their contributions helped Mumbai post a mammoth 418, setting up that daunting 538-run target.

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And let’s not forget the bowlers. In Vidarbha’s first innings, they were skittled for just 105, with Shams Mulani, Dhawal Kulkarni, and Tanush Kotian grabbing three wickets apiece. It was a complete team effort.

Match Turning Points

Tanush Kotian: The All-Round Champion

He was the man of the moment. Not just in the final, but throughout the entire season. Tanush Kotian was rightfully named the Player of the Tournament for his incredible contribution with both bat and ball. He scored 502 runs and took 29 wickets. In the final innings, he broke through Vidarbha’s resistance, finishing with figures of 4 for 95. What a season for him.

A Fairytale Farewell for Kulkarni

But honestly, the most emotional moment belonged to Dhawal Kulkarni. Playing his final first-class match, on his home ground, in a Ranji Trophy final. What more could you ask for? He got the storybook ending he deserved by taking the final wicket, that of Umesh Yadav, to kickstart the celebrations. It was a fitting end to a fantastic career.

Tournament Impact

Winning the Ranji Trophy is a huge deal, and this victory further solidifies Mumbai’s status as a cricketing powerhouse. They walked away with the trophy and a hefty prize of Rs 5 crore. For Vidarbha, it’s a tough loss, but their fight in the final shows the incredible depth and spirit in Indian domestic cricket. So, what do you think was the most crucial moment of this final?

Mumbai Lifts 42nd Ranji Trophy; Crushes Vidarbha’s 538-Run Chase in Final

Key Takeaways

The Impossible Chase