The batsmen quelled the Mumbai attack and retained their team for seven wickets for just six runs short of the opponent’s first innings score; Patidar not out 67
The batsmen quelled the Mumbai attack and retained their team for seven wickets for just six runs short of the opponent’s first innings score; Patidar not out 67
Sooraj finally lost their monsoon-induced gap and went out in all their glory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Friday with Yash Dubey and Shubham Sharma lending their share of luminance. Centuries and their second wicket partnership of 222 runs helped Madhya Pradesh form a major note against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy final.
At the end of the third day, Madhya Pradesh posted 368 for three in their first innings and need only seven to cross Mumbai’s 374, while busy Rajat Patidar and captain Aditya Srivastava are at the crease.
Shubham Sharma completed his century. , photo credit: K. Murli Kumar Ku
Earlier, resuming overnight on 123 for one, Madhya Pradesh enjoyed assurances emanating from Dubey (133, 336b, 14×4) and Sharma (116, 215b, 15×4, 1×6). Mohit Awasthi tries a yorker, Dubey digs it and hits a boundary in the same first over. And this pattern was repeated throughout the day; If a Mumbai bowler hits the bat or makes an ear-wrenching LBW appeal, the riposte will be a four!
Mumbai captain Prithvi Shaw’s plan to strangle Dubey and Sharma goes awry. Sharma hit two drives for four off Tushar Deshpande and it soon became a story of liquid runs. The Mumbai fielders may have crossed a boundary while sledging and umpire KN Ananthapadmanabhan spoke to Shaw.
The shared pursuit of team pride and individual milestones inspired Dubey and Sharma as they reached their respective fifties. Mumbai had a chance when Sharma hit a boundary towards short cover for 55 runs and Armaan Jaffer could not go ahead. Dhawal Kulkarni’s short-pitch delivery caused a slight scare as Dubey hit his helmet. The batsman stood firm, the bowler signaled an apology and a few overs later, Dubey dismissed Kulkarni for four straight.
change gear
When spinners Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian posed the awkward question, Sharma shifted gears, hoisting the former for six and hitting the latter for four. Dubey added his bit after surviving Kotian’s lbw appeal by slamming the spinner across the ropes. Once Dubey turned the coats over and Madhya Pradesh was sitting Sundar over lunch with 228 for one.
When it started again, it was Sharma’s turn. The second new ball made no impact and Sharma reached his century with a cover drive. He then hit a few boundaries, escaping an unnecessary appeal to be caught behind, but the battered bowler Awasthi soon took the lead. Madhya Pradesh were 269 for two and the visitors applauded Sharma and cheered the next man Patidar loudly because of the Royal Challengers Bangalore-Connect.
The batsman exuded a T20-vibe, hitting fours at his will without sacrificing his beauty. And with Dubey’s hold continuing, Madhya Pradesh were 301 for two at tea.
Last season, Patidar was on 52 but was caught on a no-ball by Mulani, and Mumbai was in trouble.
Eventually, Dubey caught Mulani and the Mumbai fielders decently patted the batsman. Madhya Pradesh is ahead in the summit clash and should remain so until Saturday brings some surprise.
Score:
Mumbai – 1st Innings: 374 in 127.4 overs.
Madhya Pradesh – 1st Innings: Yash Dubey c Hardik Tamor b Mulani 133 (336b, 14×4), Himanshu Mantri lbw b Deshpande 31 (50b, 3×4, 2×6), Shubham Sharma c Tamor b Awasthi 116 (215b, 15×4, 1×6), Rajat Patidar (batting) 67 ( 106b, 13×4), Aditya Srivastava (batting) 11 (33b, 1×4); Extra(B-6, Lb-1, Nb-2, W-1): 10; Total (for 3 wickets. In 123 overs): 368.
Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Minister, 16.3 ov), 2-269 (Sharma 89.4), 3-341 (Dubey 111.5).
Mumbai Bowling: Dhawal Kulkarni 21-3-51-0, Tushar Deshpande 24-8-73-1, Shams Mulani 40-4-117-1, Mohit Awasthi 20-5-53-1, Tanush Kotian 18-1-67-0.