Ranji Trophy: Shardul Thakur's Explosive Performance Sends Mumbai to Semifinals

Kolkata, Feb 11 (NationPress) Pacer Shardul Thakur showcased his exceptional skills at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, leading Mumbai to a commanding 152-run victory over Haryana and securing a place in the Ranji Trophy semifinals. The seasoned bowler's relentless precision and knack for exploiting surface movement were crucial, as he concluded the quarterfinal with impressive figures of 9 for 84.

Thakur's natural outswinger kept the slip fielders engaged, but it was his indelible in-duckers and deliveries that maintained their line that proved most effective. His opening spell of 10 overs—distributed across the pre- and post-lunch segments—was key in dismantling Haryana’s defense early in their pursuit of 354 runs. He trapped Ankit Kumar and Himanshu Rana lbw with sharp in-duckers and forced an edge off Rohit Sharma to first slip, setting the tone for Mumbai's bowling attack.

The experienced pacer found a reliable partner in Royston Dias, whose left-arm pace bowling wreaked havoc on the opposition. Dias made a significant contribution, claiming his first-ever First-Class five-wicket haul, dismantling Haryana’s middle and lower order with accuracy.

His tactical short-ball strategy proved effective when debutant Yashvardhan Dalal fell into the trap, attempting a pull shot that was caught at square leg. Nishant Sindhu soon followed, caught down the leg side.

At 60 for 5, Haryana’s chances appeared bleak, but Lakshya Dalal and Sumit Kumar mounted a spirited fightback with a 90-run partnership. Just as they seemed poised to push the contest to its final day, Tanush Kotian's off-spin initiated the collapse.

Dalal's ill-timed ramp attempt cost him his wicket, and with his dismissal, Mumbai sensed an opportunity. Dias returned to dismiss Sumit Kumar and quickly cleaned up the tail, wrapping up Haryana’s innings at 201.

Earlier in the match, Ajinkya Rahane achieved his 41st First-Class century, anchoring Mumbai’s innings as they aimed to set a challenging target.

However, Haryana had their moments of joy as well. Mumbai's lower order fell apart dramatically, losing their last six wickets in just an hour, adding only 75 runs to their overnight score of 278 for 4.

Anuj Thakral made critical strikes, dismissing Rahane and Shivam Dube in quick succession. The rapid dismissals of Shams Mulani, Thakur, and Kotian meant Mumbai was all out for 339, although it proved to be more than sufficient for victory.

With this triumph, Mumbai advances to the semifinals, where they will face Vidarbha, who secured a convincing 198-run win against Tamil Nadu in their quarterfinal.

Brief score:

Mumbai 315 & 339 defeated Haryana 301 & 201 all out in 57.3 overs (Lakshay Dalal 64, Sumit Kumar 62; Royston Dias 5-39, Shardul Thakur 3-26) by 152 runs.