Ranji Trophy Round-up: Hardik's century puts Mumbai in complete control; Vidwath, Vysakh's incredible spells keep Karnataka in the hunt

In a pivotal Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash, Mumbai seized the day with Hardik Tamore's stellar 114-run knock leading the charge against Baroda, propelling Mumbai to a formidable overall lead of 415 by the close of play on the fourth day. This significant advantage, built on a narrow first-innings lead of 36 runs, positions Mumbai favorably for a semifinal berth, especially if the match concludes in a draw.

Despite Bhargav Bhatt's remarkable seven-wicket haul for Baroda in the second innings, mirroring his first-innings performance, Mumbai emerged with a strategic upper hand. Tamore, the Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter, was instrumental in this turnaround, converting his first-innings fifty into a commanding century when promoted to the opener's slot for the second innings. His contribution was crucial in keeping the momentum in Mumbai's favor at the BKC Ground.

Hardik Tamore anchors Mumbai's innings

Tamore was central to several key partnerships throughout the day, adding 66 runs with Musheer Khan for the third wicket before joining forces with Prithvi Shaw to add a brisk 124 runs for the fourth wicket in just 157 balls. Shaw, batting in the middle-order, also shone brightly with 87 runs off 93 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes, which significantly challenged the Baroda bowlers.

Shams Mulani, Mumbai's spin bowling all-rounder, contributed a crucial 54 runs off 103 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six, further bolstering the team's position with a 69-run stand for the sixth wicket.

Beginning the day at 21 for one, Mumbai was in need of a solid batting performance to extend their lead. However, they faced early setbacks, including the dismissal of their in-form opener Bhupen Lalwani and nightwatchman Mohit Avasthi. Captain Ajinkya Rahane's struggles continued, falling for a four-ball duck to Bhatt, who also claimed the wickets of Shaw, Rahane, Mulani, and Suryansh Shedge.

Despite these challenges, the lower order, including Tanush Kotian (32 not out) and Tushar Deshpande (23 not out), rallied late in the day, adding 42 runs for the 10th wicket to close Mumbai's innings at 379/9, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the quarterfinal.

Karnataka in the hunt for a comeback win after pacer's shine

In an enthralling day of cricket during their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match, Karnataka's battters , led by captain Mayank Agarwal, displayed commendable determination to set the stage for an exciting final day showdown against Vidarbha. This, after pacers Vidwath Kaverappa and Vysakh Vijaykumar had earlier swung the momentum in Karnataka's favor with their remarkable bowling performances on the fourth day.

Tasked with a daunting chase of 371 runs for victory, Karnataka ended the day on a positive note at 103 for one, with Agarwal (61) and KV Aneesh (1) holding fort at the crease. The team is now poised to chase down the remaining 268 runs needed for a sensational win on the final day.

Vidwath and Vysakh bring Karnataka back into the contest

The foundation for Karnataka's spirited fightback was laid by Kaverappa, who took 6 wickets for 61 runs, and Vijaykumar, who contributed with 4 wickets for 81 runs, effectively dismantling Vidarbha for 196 in their second innings. Vidarbha, having commenced the day at a comfortable 50 for no loss and a lead of 224 runs, found themselves in disarray following the departure of opener Dhruv Shorey for 57.

This triggered a batting collapse, with the team losing their last eight wickets for just 103 runs in under two sessions, providing Karnataka with a glimmer of hope.

Although faced with a challenging target, Karnataka's Agarwal and Ravikumar Samarth approached the chase with aggression, compiling 101 runs in just 23.4 overs at a brisk pace. Their efforts put the Vidarbha bowlers under pressure, although Vidarbha managed to claim Samarth's wicket, bowled by left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate, just before the day ended, offering the home side a slight reprieve. As the match heads into its final day, all eyes will be on Karnataka's pursuit of what could be a remarkable victory.

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