By Karun Nair’s Resilient Knock Keeps Vidarbha Afloat in Ranji Final
Karun Nair’s patient innings under challenging conditions at the Wankhede Stadium frustrated Mumbai for most of the fourth day. However, his dismissal in the final minutes shifted the momentum significantly towards Mumbai, who have set Vidarbha a daunting target of 538 runs in the Ranji Trophy final.
Heading into the final day, Mumbai needs five wickets to secure their 42nd title, while Vidarbha requires 290 runs.
Nair’s vigil at the crease (74 off 220 balls) began after openers Atharva Taide and Dhruv Shorey fell early in the morning session, despite adding 54 runs to Vidarbha’s overnight total. Mumbai’s spinners found turn and bounce from the pitch, but Nair managed to negotiate most deliveries, surviving a couple of close calls early in his innings.
Aman Mokhade, Nair’s partner in a 54-run stand for the third wicket, fell after lunch to Musheer Khan’s arm-ball. Yash Rathod was dismissed by Tanush Kotian, with Mumbai successfully reviewing the decision. However, the dismissal was controversial as it appeared the ball had hit both bat and pad simultaneously.
Nair and captain Akshay Wadkar then combined for a 90-run partnership for the fifth wicket, stabilizing Vidarbha’s innings. Wadkar reached his fifty off 80 balls and will be crucial for Vidarbha’s chances on the final day.
However, Nair’s dismissal to a sharply turning delivery from Musheer Khan provided Mumbai with a crucial breakthrough. Despite Vidarbha’s efforts, Mumbai remains in a strong position going into the final day of the final.
Brief Scores: Mumbai 224 & 418 lead Vidarbha 105 & 248/5 (Nair 74, Akshay Wadkar 56*; Musheer 2-38, Kotian 2-56) by 289 runs
