The Mumbai cricket team, under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, scripted history on Thursday, securing their 42nd Ranji Trophy title with a resounding victory over Vidarbha by 169 runs at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

Rollercoaster final: Mumbai’s dominance in decisive moments

In a high-stakes final, Vidarbha faced a daunting target of 538 runs for victory. Initially, it appeared that Mumbai had the upper hand as they reduced Vidarbha to 133 /4. However, a spirited fightback led by Karun Nair and captain Akshay Wadkar kept Vidarbha’s hopes alive on Day 4 and into the first session of Day 5. Nevertheless, despite their efforts, the tide turned swiftly in the post-lunch session, with Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande wreaking ?havoc as Vidarbha collapsed, losing their last five wickets for a mere 15 runs. Ultimately, they were bundled out for 368 runs in the final innings.

Tanush Kotian shines in the Ranji Trophy 2024 final

Entering the final day, Vidarbha still required 298 runs with five wickets in hand. After the fall of Karun, Wadkar and Harsh Dubey showed resilience in the morning session, frustrating the Mumbai bowlers while adding crucial runs to the scoreboard. Nonetheless, Kotian’s breakthrough wicket of Wadkar sparked a collapse, leading to Vidarbha’s downfall. Mumbai emerged victorious by 169 runs, with Dhawal Kulkarni, in his final game, sealing the win by dismissing Umesh Yadav.

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Heroics of Musheer Khan and Shardul Thakur

Earlier in the match, Mumbai posted a competitive total of 224 runs in their first innings, with Shardul Thakur contr?ibuting 75 runs. Vidarbha struggled in?? response, managing only 105 runs, with Kotian wreaking havoc with the ball.

Mumbai further strengthened their position by scoring 418 runs in their second innings, with Musheer Khan leading the charge with a magnificent knock of 136 runs. Musheer’s stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award, capping off a memorable victory for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy final. While Kotian won the Plater of the Tournament award for his all round performance throughout the season.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Congratulations to the Mumbai team on clinching the Ranji Trophy title! πŸ†πŸ Led by Ajinkya Rahane, your teamwork and determination were exemplary. Hats off to Vidarbha for a solid fight and showing incredible spirit. Both teams exemplified the finest cricketing qualities. Here'sβ€?//t.co/iB7xRwhmsL

— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) March 14, 2024

Congratulations @MumbaiCricAssoc on 42nd Ranji Title! A stellar accomplishment that deserves all the applause. Hats off to Vidarbha for their tenacity throughout. Witnessed some exceptional cricket from both teams I have a soft spot for. Terrific performances from both sides -β€?pic.twitter.com/CE34Ieq8fK

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 14, 2024

Can’t help but be champions at things, we Mumbaikars! πŸ˜‰#RanjiTrophyFinal

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 14, 2024

The fitting farewell. Picked the first and the last of Vidarbha's 20 wickets in the #RanjiTrophyFinal. Fare well beyond the wickets too, Dhawal Kulkarni #MUMvsVID pic.twitter.com/Dk4cl3Pm4n

— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) March 14, 2024

Mumbai win #RanjiTrophy. Vidarbha displayed a valiant effort in the fourth innings, but still Rahane and co showed a dominant performance in the final. #MUMvVID #RanjiTrophyFinal

— Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) March 14, 2024

Congrats to Team Mumbai for winning another Ranji Trophy title. Mumbai is to the Ranji Trophy what A??ustralia is to the World Cup.

Resounding dominance πŸ’₯πŸ‘#RanjiTrophyFinal #RanjiTrophy #Mumbai

— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) March 14, 2024

Mumbai wins their 42nd Ranji Trophy… This is some crazy stat & achievement… #RanjiTrophyFinal

— Hiren Rathod (@rathod_hiren) March 14, 2024

42nd Ranji Tr??ophy tit?le for Mumbai!! The domestic giants for a reason!!❀️

Vidarbha gave a tough fight and deserves all p??laudits..but the first innings collapse hurt them.

— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) March 14, 2024

42nd RANJI TROPHY FOR MUMBAI πŸ™Œ#RanjiTrophy #Mumbai #ranjitrophy2024 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/cfW4Q2BbMf

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 14, 2024

What better way to celebrate a Mumbai Ranj??i Trophy win!

CTO VadaPav brought to the Wankhede by @WagheVaibhav #RanjiTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/ylugG7VHKn

— Nish Navalkar (@YUVI_NISH) March 14, 2024

MUMBAI WINS!

Winner of its 42nd Ranji Trophy Title
First Ranji trophy victory in 7 years!

Dominance in Ranji Trophies:
Mumbai: 42 Titles
Everyone Else: 48 Titles

The Bombay School of Cricket, is well and truly open! πŸ™‚ #RanjiTrophyFinal #Mumbai #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/vSInLsJwnF

— Mangalam Maloo (@blitzkreigm) March 14, 2024

Mumbai win the #RanjiTrophyFinal to win their 42nd trophy ??in the 89 years of the ?tournament.

Vidarbha gave a ?gritty display in the second innings but their batting failure in the first innings cost them.

Dhaval Kulkarni retires from first class cricket with the last wicket toβ€?/p>

— Mandar Deepa Manmohan Sawant (@MandarSawant184) March 14, 2024

πŸ†πŸ π—–π—›π—”π— π—£π—œπ—’π—‘π—¦ ??π— π—¨π— π—•π—”π—œ! Congratulations to Mumbai on their remarkable achievement of winning the prestigious Ranji Trophy for the 42nd time.

πŸ‘ Commiserations to Vidarbha. They displayed th?e ??true champion spirit by fighting until the end.

πŸ“Έ Pics belong to theβ€?pic.twitter.com/tQn4SotOFi

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) March 14, 2024

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