'Some ordinary cricket' - Sachin Tendulkar blasts Mumbai's batting in Ranji Trophy final

Mumbai batters failed to live up to their expectations in the first innings of the Ranji Trophy 2024 final against Vidarbha at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, March 10.

On a green top, Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar won the toss and invited Mumbai to bat first. The opening pair of Prithvi Shaw and Bhupen Lalwani got their team off to a solid start, adding 81 runs in 20 overs. However, after they were dismissed in quick succession, Vidarbha bowlers found an opening and they made it count. From 81/0, the 41-time champions slipped to 111/6. Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer, who are the two most experienced batters in the side, scored seven runs each.

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The legendary Sachin Tendulkar slammed Mumbai's batting effort and termed it as 'ordinary' before applauding the Vidarbha bowlers for keeping things simple and applying pressure on the opposition.

“After a good start, the @MumbaiCricAssoc batters played some ordinary cricket. On the other hand, Vidarbha have kept things simple and put Mumbai under pressure. I am sure there will be many exciting sessions in this game as the match unfolds. The wicket has grass cover, but the ball will turn and assist spinners as the game progresses. Vidarbha will be happy with the way they got back in the game after a solid partnership by the Mumbai openers. The first session belonged to Vidarbha," Sachin wrote on his official 'X' (formerly Twitter) handle and also posted a picture of himself, watching the match on his TV.

Shardul Thakur powers Mumbai past 200-run mark

Mumbai players will have to thank Shardul Thakur for his brilliant half-century that almost single-handedly took them past the 200-run mark. The all-rounder got to his fifty off just 37 balls as he thwarted the confident Vidarbha bowlers with consummate ease. Thakur was the last Mumbai batter to be dismissed as Umesh Yadav ended his epic knock of 75 runs off 69 balls. During the innings, the 32-year-old hit eight fours and three sixes.

Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur bagged three wickets apiece for Vidarbha, while Umesh chipped in with a couple. Aditya Thakare also had a wicket to his name, while Tushar Deshpande was run out. Mumbai were bowled out for 224 in the 65th over.