Vidarbha’s players celebrate after winning the Ranji Trophy semi-final cricket match against Mumbai, at Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, in Nagpur. (PTI Photo)
“Darnaa nahi hai inhe dekh ke, agar 19-20 ka farak ho and if you think they all are India players toh gaye kaam se. Just think of them as a player, and things will be fine,” young left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey of Vidarbha responded with confidence when asked about whether the team got carried away by seeing a star-studded Mumbai side before the game. Don’t be afraid if the difference in the two teams is marginal, and don’t get intimidated by them being India players – was his thinking.
Vidarbha continued their dream run in the ongoing domestic season as they defeated Mumbai to reach finals of the Ranji Trophy for consecutive years. They will meet Kerala next week to decide the title. But on paper, they have already defeated a top Mumbai team which had two Indian captains, and one India all-rounder.
Mumbai’s tailenders challenged the hosts and they tried to delay the inevitable despite wickets falling at regular intervals.
Mumbai needed an extraordinary display of batting to get 323 runs more on the final day while Vidarbha needed a mere seven wickets. On the pitch which had begun to show cracks and resulted in uneven bounce on a few occasions, it was a matter of seven good balls. All-rounder Shivam Dube got bowled early in the innings by pacer Yash Thakur as the ball passed between bat and pad to see his stumps rolling. All eyes were on Suryakumar Yadav to showcase his world class batting, and he did get a start but the big score seemed to be far away just yet, from his blade. Mumbai lost Surya and opener Akash Anand in quick succession courtesy young left-arm spinner Harsh, who had been bowling very tight lines throughout the game.
The onus was once again on the lower order who have been Mumbai’s batting lifeline since past two seasons. They tried to delay the inevitable, especially Shardul Thakur and Shams Mulani. On a pitch where Indian batters failed to find their feet and get behind the ball, Thakur played some elegant drives with his blade. He slapped hard at one from pacer Darshan Nalkande for six over point which probably was the best shot one witnessed throughout the innings.
With Mulani and Thakur holding their nerve, at one stage Mumbai looked to achieve the impossible task. The pair didn’t make any mistake, though on a few occasions Thakur tried reverse shots to upset left-arm spinners Harsh and Parth Rekhade’s lines. Vidarbha needed one extraordinary effort and it came when Thakur tapped one at square leg and ran for a quick single. Mulani acknowledged the call but before he could dive to reach his crease, Danish Malewar’s direct hit had done the damage. The 103 runs seventh wicket stand was broken and gave much relief to the Vidarbha camp. Thakur, who struck a brilliant 66, was bowled after Vidarbha took the new ball and Yash Thakur got one which skid in to see his stumps uprooted. The end looked near but Mumbai tailenders continued to fight despite knowing they could end up on the losing side.
Vidarbha managed to snare Tanush Kotian as Rekhade got him bowled. However, number ten Mohit Avasthi and number eleven Royston Dias didn’t seem to surrender and they did try for one last battle. They added a 52 runs-partnership for the last wicket and just one over after tea with 80 runs more needed, Harsh got his 66th wicket after Avasthi went out leg before while attempting a reverse sweep.
Story continues below this ad
The team which on paper doesn’t have a single IPL star, had defeated 42 time Ranji Trophy title winners this season. Back in Vidarbha’s dressing room, players had discussed how Mumbai had beaten them in the finals last year and this time they had the opportunity to beat them at home.
Vidarbha skipper Akshay Wadkar said they took on Mumbai as any other team and didn’t go by the reputed names. For Mumbai, this season, their top orders have failed and big names remain only on paper. The lower-order shouldered a bulk of the responsibility with the bat and captain Rahane says, they will discuss all the pointers once the new season starts later this year.
As the match got over Vidarbha players and their families came down on the field, and requested photographs with Surya, Shardul and Rahane. Back in the dressing room’s passage, Vidarbha players sought out autographs and their jersey and they all obliged. And some even had video calls made to their families. A perfect photo-finish for the team, who have remained unbeaten this season of Ranji Trophy.
Brief Scores of Vidarbha vs Mumbai:
Vidarbha 383 & 292 defeat Mumbai 270 & 325 (Shardul Thakur 66, Mohit Avasthi 34, Harsh Dubey 5-127) by 80 runs
