Ranji Trophy 2016-17 semi-finals: Day 4 Review

The Ranji Trophy 2016/17 got its first finalists as Gujarat, riding on the bowling exploits of Jasprit Bumrah marched one step closer to the glory. It was a dominating display from the Parthiv Patel led side, faced some staunch resistance from the MS Dhoni inspired boys, was finally able to press their superiority. The bowling spell from Bumrah came at the right time.

Gujarat wasn’t able to post a comfortable target in front of Jharkhand and with in-form batsmen capable of attacking cricket, they sensed a danger of losing. However, as it happened, the total proved to more than enough to defend for Gujarat.

At the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium, the battle to decide Gujarat’s opponent in the final got intense as Abhinav Mukund made a heroic declaration challenge Mumbai’s grit with a 252 runs target. TN coming to bat on a fresh day with 10 wickets in hand registered 356/6 to overhaul Mumbai 101 run lead before Mukund decided the lead achieved was enough and put Mumbai to bat. The defending champions ended 5/0 with the young Prithvi Shaw and P Waghela in the middle.

Tamil Nadu v Mumbai:

Abhinav Mukund and Baba Indrajith smashed centuries and stitched a mammoth stand has pushed Mumbai on a sticky wicket. The Tamil Nadu skipper and his trusted deputy were at their best and their effort has made the upcoming fifth day of the semi – final contest at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium highly exciting. TN showcased an improved batting performance as Mukund and Aparajith put up 185 runs for the second wicket helping TN pile on 356/6 before the skipper daringly declared to set a challenging 252 runs for the defending Mumbai to win.

TN had restricted Mumbai the other day who had displayed staunch resilience and posted 406 runs to gain a 101 runs lead. However, TN looked was in no mood to let Mumbai easily gain an upper hand and came up with an equally good batting reply. Debutant V Ganga yet again failed but Mukund and Aparajith then piloted the innings.

Brief Scores:

Tamil Nadu – 305 (Baba Indrajith 64; Abhishek Nayar 4/66)

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

Gujarat v Jharkhand:

Gujarat finally was able to hit the nail on the coffin after they managed to overcome the gritty Jharkhand side and sailed to the final with a resounding 123 runs win. The contest was a well contested one till the third day with Jharkhand continuing to show fight and staying in contention of a place in the final.

However, all their resistance, luck, motivation was rolled over flat by Jasprit Bumrah and his lively fast bowling. The T20 specialist and India’s go-to death over bowler rose to the occasion and produced a match-winning spell of 6/29 to dismantle Jharkhand for just 111 on the scoreboard. Earlier Shahbaz Nadeem raised hopes of a place in the final with a five-wicket haul and restrict the batting side for just 252, setting Jharkhand a target of 224 runs.

Brief Scores:

Gujarat – 390 all out (Priyank 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)