41-time champions Mumbai reinforced their grip on the Ranji Trophy finale against Vidarbha as Musheer Khan became the youngest Mumbai batter to hit a century in the final of India’s domestic red-ball competition.
Musheer, the younger brother of India Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, at the age of 19 years and 14 days, surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who previously held the record for as many as 29 years.
Mumbai were in pole position as the Vidarbha batters struggled chasing a daunting target of 538 in the Ranji Trophy final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. At 248 for five with Vidarbha seeking 290 more runs, the home side is sitting pretty. However, cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties so nothing is cast in stone as of yet.
Karun Nair had staunchly batted for 287 minutes, facing 220 balls and scoring 74 runs. His partnership of 90 runs with skipper Akshay Wadkar (56 not out) for the fifth wicket was starting to ruffle Mumbai’s feathers when Musheer delivered an exceptional delivery to induce an edge from Nair.
Vidarbha were determined to take the game to the fifth and final day and hope for the best. With the pitch not assisting the bowlers a great deal, the Vidarbha approach was to keep wickets in hand and fancy their chances on the fifth day. Nair’s wicket may have upset those meritorious plans.
#RanjiTrophyFinal #KarunNair's wicket leaves the Vidarbha lower order exposed and with 290 runs still to get, Mumbai now have one hand on the trophy.
By @mihirsv https://t.co/XtgpmxDnTq
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) March 13, 2024
