Mumbai’s Shardul Thakur Rescues Team in Ranji Trophy Final Opener
Mumbai’s Shardul Thakur once again proved his batting prowess, rescuing his team from a precarious position on the first day of the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha at the Wankhede Stadium.
After Vidarbha’s bowlers, Yash Thakur and Harsh Dubey, had reduced Mumbai to 104 for 5, Shardul stepped up with a blistering 37-ball half-century. His innings, which included 10 fours and 2 sixes, helped Mumbai reach a respectable total of 224.
Shardul’s knock was crucial as Mumbai’s middle order had collapsed either side of lunch. Captain Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer both fell cheaply for 7 each. However, Shardul’s partnership with Sarfaraz Khan (37) and Shams Mulani (25) steadied the innings.
When Shardul was eventually dismissed for 75 off 69 balls, Mumbai were still in a precarious position. However, Umesh Yadav’s quickfire 20 helped them add valuable runs to their total.
In reply, Vidarbha lost three early wickets to Shardul and Dhawal Kulkarni, who was playing his farewell game. Atharva Taide (21*) and nightwatchman Aditya Thakare (0*) will resume batting on day two with Vidarbha trailing by 193 runs.
