Mumbai Steamroll Tamil Nadu to Book Record 48th Ranji Final
Mumbai’s domestic cricket giants extended their extraordinary legacy, steamrolling Tamil Nadu by an innings and 70 runs to reach a record 48th Ranji Trophy final.
At the BKC Ground on Monday, it was a supreme all-round display from Shardul Thakur that powered the 41-time champions into yet another summit clash. His maiden first-class century and three-wicket burst proved decisive.
Having subsided to 106/7 in their first innings in response to Tamil Nadu’s 146, the game was slipping away for Mumbai. But Thakur’s counterattacking 103 helped them seize control before Tanush Kotian’s 89 not out compounded Tamil Nadu’s misery.
The duo featured in an 88-run stand, continuing Mumbai’s reputation for never-say-die batting performances by the lower order.
Tamil Nadu’s batters failed to show similar grit in their second essay. Thakur struck early blows before Shams Mulani’s four-wicket haul hastened the inevitable innings defeat – Mumbai’s 17th win over their opponents across 31 meetings.
The resounding victory reaffirmed Mumbai’s status as domestic cricket’s preeminent force. Having topped the combined standings, they now await the Vidarbha-Madhya Pradesh winner to defend their crown at Wankhede next week.
For Tamil Nadu, who last won the Ranji Trophy in 1987-88, it was another case of so near yet so far against the game’s grandest name. Mumbai’s enduring excellence prevailed once more.
