Mumbai finished day 2 of the 2nd semi-finals against Tamil Nadu in a strong position played at Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BAK, Mumbai on 3rd March 2024. Starting the 2nd day on 45 for 2, it was not an ideal start for Mumbai as nightwatchman Mohit Awasthi was stumped by Jagadeesan.
Musheer Khan looked solid along with Captain Ajinkya Rahane to steady the ship for Mumbai. TN captain Sai Kishore got rid of Rahane with a good catch by Baba Indrajith. Musheer and Rahane added 43 runs for the 4th wicket.
Sandeep Warrier produced a lovely delivery to dismiss Shreyas Iyer to leave Mumbai struggling. Sai Kishore got wickets of Musheer Khan and Shams Mulani of successive deliveries to leave Mumbai in deep trouble at 106 for 7. Shardul Thakur showed intent in putting pressure on TN bowlers. Mumbai went into lunch break 125 for 7.
After the lunch break, Shardul Thakur showed intent with some lusty blows keeping the momentum going for Mumbai. He scored runs at a quick pace making sure that Mumbai took the lead and kept the momentum going. Thakur reached fifty off 58 deliveries and continued to pile on runs along with Hardik Tamore. Thakur completed his century off six of 90 deliveries.
It was a sensational knock as Thakur innings ended for 109 off 105 deliveries with 13 boundaries and 4 sixes. He along with Tanush Kotian added 79 runs for the 9th wicket. Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande frustrated the Tamil Nadu bowling with an unbeaten 63 runs for the final wicket. Mumbai ended the 2nd day at 353 for 9 as they led by 207 runs.
Shardul Thakur rescued Mumbai to a commanding position:
Shardul Thakur’s maiden first century ensured that Mumbai is one step closer to the finals of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season. Thakur looked impressive against the pace bowlers hitting boundaries and sixes with ease ensuring that Mumbai took the lead.
Thakur played his debut first-class match against Rajasthan on 9th November 2012. Before this encounter, Shardul Thakur’s best score was 87. He made 11 fifties before this match.
He was not in the playing XI for few first matches this season. After his recovery, Thakur proved the backbone of the Mumbai team with both bat and ball ensuring that they qualify for the finals of Ranji Trophy season.
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