Ranji Trophy 2016-17 semi-finals: Day 3 Review

Both the ongoing semi-final have now reached exciting stages with Mumbai gaining an upper hand over Tamil Nadu while Jharkhand putting Gujarat in a sticky situation. As of now, both the games appear to meet a conclusion and a draw certainly doesn’t seem like a possibility.

Mumbai, resuming to bat at 171/4 successfully overhauled TN’s first innings total with the help of batting contribution from Aditya Tare, Abhishek Nayar and Shardul Thakur. TN now have a lead of 101 runs to get past before they can set a target.

Jharkhand also was able to take a lead against Gujarat with help of a century from overnight batsman Ishan Jaggi. Although they managed just mere 18 runs lead, the confidence in the batting unit must have gone sky high after ending at 408 in reply to Gujarat’s total of 390.

To make the day more productive and pleasant, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem snapped three top order wickets including that of previous innings centurion Priyank Pancha to put Gujarat in a nervy situation.     

Tamil Nadu v Mumbai:

Mumbai heaped 235 runs to their overnight score of 171/4 and ended at a formidable 406 before getting all out on Day 3. The tail enders, sensing the importance of the occasion, stepped up and made fine contributions to help the lead bulge the overall lead to a competent 101 runs.

Skipper Aditya Tare, resumed batting at his overnight score of 19 and went to convert it to a fabulous 83 runs effort and emerge as the star of the day for defending champions Mumbai. His partner, Shreyas Iyer, however, could not create the same effort and was the first to depart this morning.

But, before TN bowlers could imagine of wiping off the lower order, Abhishek Nayar (58) along with Balwinder Sandhu Jr. (32) and Shardul Thakur (52) together grinded them and eventually ended up owning the day. Tamil Nadu now find themselves in a tricky situation where they cannot afford a slip-up. If they do, it would directly mean handing over the match to Mumbai. An interesting day follows tomorrow as the TN batsman will undergo a stern test of skills.

Brief Scores:

Tamil Nadu – 305 (B Indrajith 64; A Nayar 4/66)

Mumbai – 406 all out (Aditya Tare 83; V Shankar 4/59)

Gujarat v Jharkhand:

The MS Dhoni inspired Jharkhand were successful in gaining a first innings lead today with the help of Ishan Jaggi’s spectacular century. The right handed batsman, who along with young sensation Ishan Kishan put their team on the track of overhauling Gujarat’s first innings total of 390, successfully completed lived up to the hopes of his teammates and their mentor Ms Dhoni. Kaushal Singh, the 20-year-old all-rounder, also played a vital role and contributed 53 batting at No. 7. Both Jaggi and Singh took the inning forward and stitched a 97 runs stand after the batting side lost R Shukla shortly after the start of the day.

Gujarat, in response, had an ominous start as they lost the pervious innings centurion Priyank Panchal for just 1 run. But, SB Gohel (49) and BH Merai (44) brought some stability before Shahbaz Nadeem got rid of both the men to put Jharkhand on the driver’s seat. At stumps, Gujarat ended on 100/4 with a 82 runs lead. With two day still left, Jharkhand would fancy getting them all out quickly and for a cheap total and register an outright win.

Brief Scores:

Gujarat – 390 all out (P Panchal 149; Ajay 3/67) & 100/4 (SB Gohel 49; Shahbaz Nadeem 3/36)

Jharkhand – 408 all out (Ishan Jaggi 129; RP Singh 6/90)