Vidarbha Clinches 62-Run Victory Over Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy Semifinal

 

Nagpur:  Vidarbha emerged victorious in the Ranji Trophy semifinal clash against Madhya Pradesh at the Vidarbha Cricket Association ground in Nagpur on Wednesday, securing a comfortable 62-run win. The triumph sets up a final showdown with Mumbai, as Vidarbha aims for their title while Mumbai seeks their 42nd Ranji Trophy.

Madhya Pradesh faced an uphill battle on the fourth day, requiring 93 runs to win with only four wickets in hand. Despite a solid start, the task proved challenging for the visitors, and Vidarbha ensured a swift conclusion within the morning session.

Bowlers Aditya Thakare and Yash Thakur played pivotal roles, each claiming two wickets to dismantle the Madhya Pradesh innings. Yash Dubey’s impressive 94, coupled with a century stand alongside Harsh Gawli (67), had initially put Madhya Pradesh in contention. However, once the partnership was broken, Vidarbha seized control. Efforts from Venkatesh Iyer and Saransh Jain were not enough to turn the tide, as Vidarbha’s bowlers dominated the proceedings. Apart from Umesh Yadav, all Vidarbha bowlers contributed to taking crucial wickets.

Madhya Pradesh would lament the missed opportunity after squandering an 82-run first-innings lead, built on the foundation of Himanshu Mantri’s resilient century (126 off 265 balls). Vidarbha, unfazed by the deficit, showcased composure in their second innings. Yash Rathod’s stellar 141 off 200 deliveries, supported by an impactful 158-run partnership with Akshay Wadkar (77 off 139), propelled the hosts to a competitive total.

Chasing a target of 300-plus on a wearing surface proved daunting for Madhya Pradesh, with Vidarbha’s probing attack exposing vulnerabilities in the middle order. Akshay Wakhare (3-38) and Yash Thakur (3-60) played crucial roles in dismantling the opposition.

In the end, Vidarbha’s comprehensive performance secured a 62-run win, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final against Mumbai. The match is expected to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for the prestigious Ranji Trophy.

Brief scores:

• Vidarbha: 170 & 402 (Yash Rathod 141; Anubhav Agarwal 5-92)
• Madhya Pradesh: 252 & 258 (Yash Dubey 94, Harsh Gawli 67; Akshay Wakhare 3-38, Yash Thakur 3-60)
• Result: Vidarbha won by 62 runs.