NEW DELHI: All-rounder
Shardul Thakur
propelled Mumbai’s innings in the
Ranji Trophy
2024 final against
Vidarbha
at
Wankhede Stadium
, Mumbai. Despite Mumbai’s middle-order woes, Thakur’s belligerent knock stood out as a beacon of resilience.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Mumbai’s openers,
Prithvi Shaw
and Bhupen Lalwani, provided a solid start, stitching together a partnership worth 81 runs.
However, a collapse in the middle order left Mumbai struggling at 111/6 when Thakur strode to the crease to join Shams Mulani.
Thakur wasted no time in launching an assault on the Vidarbha bowlers, scoring a scintillating 75 off just 69 balls. His innings was laced with eight boundaries and three towering sixes, including two spectacular straight hits that showcased his impeccable timing and power. One of his sixes even soared into the Vidarbha dressing room, leaving the opposition stunned.
WATCH Shardul’s innings highlights:
The Mumbai all-rounder reached his fifty in a mere 36 deliveries, underscoring his aggressive intent and determination to propel his team’s total. Despite his valiant effort, Mumbai could only muster a total of 224, owing largely to the disciplined bowling performance by Vidarbha’s Harsh Dubey and
Yash Thakur
, who claimed three wickets each.
In addition to his batting exploits, Thakur also made an impact with the ball, dismissing Vidarbha opener Dhruv Shorey for a duck early in their innings.
As the final’s momentum swings back and forth, Vidarbha face an early challenge in their innings, currently standing at 9/1 with Atharva Taide and Aman Mokhade at the crease.