The Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash between domestic teams Mumbai and Baroda has turned into an absolute humdinger after three enthralling days of intense red-ball action. The two star-studded lineups have been engaged in a riveting tussle with the match delicately poised heading into the final two days at the hallowed Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai.
Batting Performance and Partnership Resilience in Mumbai’s Innings
Mumbai was 99/4 after opting to bat first but young Turk Musheer Khan (72*) and the seasoned Suryansh Shedge (42) rebuilt the innings with a gritty 93-run stand. Despite a late flourish from keeper Hardik Tamore’s 32-ball 57 Mumbai were bowled out for 384 with Baroda pacer Bhargav Bhatt taking 5/60.
Musheer Khan masterclass in the Quarter Finals of Ranji Trophy.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 24, 2024
203* out of 384 scored by Mumbai – 18 year old carried the batting unit. 👏pic.twitter.com/hl9GaRCBdQ
Baroda’s Resilient Batting Recovery led by Shashwat Rawat and Middle Order Contributions
Baroda had a poor start losing both openers cheaply. However, one-drop hitter Shashwat Rawat spearheaded the comeback with a defiant 160-ball 124. The seasoned Vishnu Solanki (69) and debutant Ninad Rathva (89) both contributed significant knocks as Baroda recovered to record 348 after surrendering a 36-run advantage. Mumbai’s spin trio of Shams Mulani (4/83), Tanush Kotian (2/49) and Musheer Khan (1/42) split the spoils.
Mumbai would have been dissatisfied with their batting performance in the second innings. Opener Prithvi Shaw and former India Test batsman Ajinkya Rahane both failed as Mumbai fell to 18/1 at stumps on Day 3. Hardik Tamore (12) and Mohit Avasthi (3) were at the crease with their team ahead by 57 runs.
The Spin Threat for Baroda in the Ranji Trophy
All three outcomes are completely possible with two full days of play remaining. If Mumbai can set a competitive target of more than 200 on a worn surface their superb spin attack might pose a serious threat to Baroda’s batting. However, having shown outstanding determination with the bat thus far, Baroda will be confident in their ability to chase down any score.
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The pendulum has swung one way and then the other over the first three days. Momentum has been seized and squandered by both teams at different stages. It all makes for a riveting finale where the smallest of margins could prove decisive in deciding which of these two domestic giants books a semis berth.
Strap in for what promises to be an amazing blast over the next few days at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy. This Ranji Trophy quarterfinal has the potential to be a classic.