Vidarbha vs Mumbai Match Highlights & Results

Right then, that is it from this amazing final, and the Ranji Trophy 2023/24 season. The coveted trophy has been handed to the captain of Mumbai, Ajinkya Rahane who joins his whole team and all of them lift it together. They pose together for a few pictures in front of the 'Champions' board. Rahane leads them on a victory lap as they acknowledge the home crowd and this will be a moment that every member of the team will never forget. We hope that you enjoyed our coverage of this final, but the cricketing action around the world does not stop here. You can just switch tabs and enjoy our coverage of different games. Until next time, cheers and goodbye!

Ajinkya Rahane, the victorious skipper of Mumbai collects a cheque of INR 5 crores. He starts off praising Vidarbha's team, and the way they batted after having a humongous target on the board. He continues by saying that they won the final only because of the collective efforts of the team, they also concentrated on fitness and the result showcased on its own. He also says that he always thinks about his team, he knows that a cricketer has ups and downs in their career. and he also knows that he did not score many this season, but he is really happy for everyone. Ends up saying that they will surely party hard tonight. He also praises and thanks Dhawal Kulkarni for all his contributions to Mumbai cricket. He also says that he has known him since the U-19 days and really respects the way he portrays himself inside and outside the pitch.

Akshay Wadkar, the captain of Vidarbha collects the runner-up trophy and a cheque of INR 3 crores. He says that you get one innings like that in a season and unfortunately they got that in the final. Adds that their batting was clicking throughout the season but it didn't in this big game. Praises their bowlers for their efforts to bowl Mumbai out for 224 runs but could not take advantage of that. Says that Mumbai bowled well and the partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Musheer Khan took the game away from them while Shreyas Iyer did not allow the momentum to shift in their favour. Mentions that on Day 5, he and Harsh Dubey wanted to see out the first hour and frustrate the Mumbai bowlers as they were the last recognized pair. Further adds that, they worked a lot on their fielding in this season which turned a few games around and he is proud of his team.

Tanush Kotian is the PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT for his consistent all-around performances. He says that they have been trying since the last couple of seasons after they lost the final in Ranji, but he is really happy that their efforts showed colors. He continues that in the last season, he performed really well which certainly gave him the boost to perform well this season as well and he gave the credit to his coaching staff and skipper Ajinkya Rahane. He also says that he needs improvement in his bowling and he will surely do it. Ends up saying that he is really happy that they won the final with the help of the effort of every single player in the team.

Musheer Khan is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his exceptional hundred and crucial wickets. He says that it was an important innings for him because it was the final. Adds that he wanted to contribute to the team and wanted to build a partnership with whoever was at the crease. Tells that he had fun batting with Ajinkya Rahane as he guided him well. Mentions that it is a moment of pride to share the dressing room with such great players and everyone wanted to win the 42nd title. Ends by saying that he wants to focus on the present and not look too much ahead.

Presentation Time...

Shams Mulani to share a few words now. He says that he is really happy to win the Ranji trophy for the first time in his career. He also says that they couldn't win the last one but this time with the help of every single player's contribution they got the result. He continues that he always tries to help the team whether it's through bat or ball. Ends up saying, that their motivation was always high even though they failed to have any wickets in the first session and somehow that motivation helped them to win the final.

Shardul Thakur is up for a chat. He says that they haven't won the title for the past few years. Continues that this tournament is a long season and he joined the team for the last league game. Also says that it was exciting to play cricket in challenging situations. He ends up saying he is happy to contribute some important runs in the semi-final as well as in the final.

Dhawal Kulkarni, the man of the moment is being felicitated for his services to Mumbai and the game of cricket. He says he is really emotional as this game was really important for him. He also says that any cricketer would want to start and end at peek and he is grateful to have one. He also says that he was really pleased when Ajinkya Rahane and Tushar Deshpande insisted him to bowl the over and allowed him to get the last wicket. Ends up saying he got much knowledge about the game from his seniors and he also tried to give it to his juniors.

However, that was not the case as Vidarbha once again showed remarkable determination and resilience with both the skipper Akshay Wadkar and Harsh Dubey looking solid at the crease and made sure that they didn't lose any wickets in the first session and added 85 runs. Dubey notched up his half-century in the process while just after Lunch, the skipper registered an exceptional hundred. The duo added a crucial 130 runs which is among the highest in a final, but just after the century, the skipper fell which took the wind out of them as Dubey followed suit. Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande picked up two wickets each to clean up the tail while, it was that man, Dhawal Kulkarni who sealed the win with a wicket and bids adieu to the game in the best way possible.

It was some fightback from Vidarbha on Day 4, but still, Mumbai maintained a significant advantage in the game. Despite a dismal first innings and being tasked with chasing 538 runs, Vidarbha batted throughout Day 4, losing just five wickets in the process. While the scoring rate was low for most of the day, Vidarbha picked up momentum in the final session. Karun Nair showcased resilience, playing more freely towards the end, while skipper Akshay Wadkar remained positive throughout his innings. The pair added 90 runs before Nair's dismissal late in the day left Vidarbha with half their side down. This loss of wickets was a critical blow, but the skipper remained unbeaten on 56, and Harsh Dubey showed promise as well. On the other hand, for the first time since Day 1, Mumbai found themselves under pressure. However, they managed to pick up wickets at crucial times, maintaining their advantage heading into Day 5. The pacers were sparingly used, with spinners Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, and Musheer Khan bowling the majority of the overs. Although they did a fine job of stifling the batters, there were moments where they could have been more consistent with their line and lengths. Despite this, with Musheer dismissing Karun Nair, Mumbai would have felt confident in their ability to wrap up Vidarbha's innings quickly on Day 5.

For Vidarbha, Harsh Dubey delivered an outstanding performance by claiming five wickets, showcasing his exceptional bowling skills, and making a significant impact on the game. Despite his remarkable efforts, Vidarbha found themselves in a challenging position, as they were tasked with chasing a formidable target of 537 runs. This demanding target sets a tough challenge for Vidarbha's batting lineup as they strive to achieve the trophy. On the other hand, Mumbai had a lead of 537 runs now! The significant lead that Mumbai had was a result of impressive individual performances by Musheer Khan, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Shams Mulani. Musheer Khan's contribution of 136 runs, combined with Ajinkya Rahane's 73 runs, Shreyas Iyer's 95 runs, and Shams Mulani's unbeaten 50, collectively propelled Mumbai to a commanding position of strength and dominance. This cumulative total not only reflects the exceptional batting prowess of these players but also underscores Mumbai's formidable position in the match, firmly placing them ahead by a substantial margin of 537 runs as we headed to Day 4.

In Mumbai's reply, they initially faced early setbacks, but skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Musheer Khan steadied the ship with a solid partnership. Rahane showcased his class with a stylish half-century, while Musheer also reached his fifty in the final over of the day. Their unbeaten stand of 107 runs has put Mumbai in a commanding position going into Day 3. On the other hand, Vidarbha's bowling lacked impact in the second innings, especially after Aditya Sarwate's injury. Despite early breakthroughs by Yash Thakur and Harsh Dubey, they struggled to contain Mumbai's batting. Their batting also failed to make much impact as early in the day, they were bowled out for a mere 105 runs. Dhawal Kulkarni, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian all of them got three wickets each for Mumbai, and with their batters in form, they looked all set to extend their lead even further on Day 3.

Mumbai started positively after being put into bat, with the openers adding 81 runs for the first wicket. However, once Bhupen Lalwani was dismissed, Mumbai's innings derailed as they lost wickets regularly. Despite contributions from Prithvi Shaw and Bhupen Lalwani, it was Shardul Thakur's heroic 75 that propelled them past 200. Vidarbha's bowling struggled initially but found success with spin, as Yash Thakur and Harsh Dubey impressed, picking up three wickets each. Umesh Yadav and Aditya Thakare chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. The pitch offered assistance to the bowlers, posing a challenge for Vidarbha's batters. In reply, Mumbai's dominance continued as they snared three quick wickets, putting Vidarbha under pressure by the day's end.

MUMBAI ARE THE CHAMPIONS FOR THE 42ND TIME! The crowd here is absolutely going wild and it is a fairytale ending for Dhawal Kulkarni as he picked up the last wicket to seal the title. They finally get their hand on the coveted trophy after last winning it in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season. The celebrations are going on around the stadium as Ajinkya Rahane, Dhawal Kulkarni, and all the players are taking in the applause. Mumbai is called the 'Home of Cricket' and we can say that normalcy have been resumed. However, we cannot forget the fight that Vidarbha showed while chasing this humongous target and our hearts go out to them.

Dhawal Kulkarni to Umesh Yadav, OUT! b Dhawal Kulkarni.OUT! CASTLED! Dhawal Kulkarni fittingly wraps things up here! The crowd at Wankhede was waiting for this moment and it has come finally. Dhawal Kulkarni bowls a full-length delivery on off and middle, shaping it in towards the leg stump. Umesh Yadav tries to heave at it once again but this time misses the swing and the ball rattles the leg stump. Kulkarni spreads his arms and soaks in all the applause for one last time in his career. Mumbai will lift the glorious Ranji Trophy 2023-24 for the 42nd time, beating Vidarbha by 169 runs!

Dhawal Kulkarni to Umesh Yadav, Four!FOUR! Umesh Yadav himself wasn't sure where the ball was going! Fuller delivery on off and middle. Umesh Yadav heaves it across the line and gets a inner edge to roll the ball towards deep square leg fence for four more runs added into his account.

Dhawal Kulkarni to Umesh Yadav, No run.Fuller delivery on leg and shaping in towards down the leg. Umesh Yadav tries to flick but misses. Huge appeal but turned down.

Aditya Thakare is the last man in.

Tanush Kotian to Yash Thakur, OUT! b Tanush Kotian.OUT! CATSLED! Tanush Kotian has cleaned him up! Fuller delivery just outside off and spinning in towards the off stump. Yash Thakur gets down on one knee to sweep it but misses the shot and the ball rattles to the top of off stump. Yash Thakur has to depart now and Mumbai are just one wicket away from being champions.

Tanush Kotian to Yash Thakur, No run.Fuller outside off and spins a shy bit in. Yash Thakur lunges to blocks but gets beaten on the inner edge.

Tanush Kotian to Yash Thakur, No run.Fuller outside off. Yash Thakur tries to reverse sweep but fails to get anything.

Tanush Kotian to Umesh Yadav, 1 run.Fuller on off. Umesh Yadav gets low and swats it towards wide long on for a single.

Tanush Kotian to Umesh Yadav, No run.Short on off. Umesh Yadav pushes it back to the bowler.

Tanush Kotian to Umesh Yadav, No run.Short on off. Umesh Yadav hangs back and eases it back to the bowler.

Tushar Deshpande to Yash Thakur, Six!SIX! This time he was ready for the delivery! Short delivery once again on leg and middle. Yash Thakur has his eyes on the ball and hooks it to clear the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Slight halt! A mandatory concussion check is happening out there as the physio checks in with Yash Thakur who got hit hard on the helmet. We are good to continue now.

Tushar Deshpande to Yash Thakur, No run.Nasty! Bangs a short one again. Yash Thakur tries to pull but misses and the ball hits the flush on the top of the helmet. It loops towards the point fielder. Tushar Deshpande goes towards the batter to ask if he is fine.

Tushar Deshpande to Umesh Yadav, 1 run.Short one, once again on leg. Umesh Yadav nudes it towards square leg for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Umesh Yadav, No run.Back of a length on the body lane of the batter. Umesh Yadav misses the pull and hits on the body. He seems fine though.

Tushar Deshpande to Umesh Yadav, No run.Back of a length on leg. Umesh Yadav thumps his thigh pad as he fails to flick it.

Umesh Yadav walks out to bat now.

Tushar Deshpande to Aditya Sarwate, OUT! c Ajinkya Rahane b Tushar Deshpande.OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Back of a length on leg and middle. Aditya Sarwate makes a bit of room to heave it but miscues the shot and the ball rises high up towards the left of the mid on fielder. It's the skipper Ajinkya Rahane who jogs to his left and takes a simple catch into his safe pair of runs. Aditya Sarwate has to depart and Mumbai are just two wickets away from the title now.

Tanush Kotian to Yash Thakur, No run.Fuller outside off. Yash Thakur heaves it across the line from the inner part of his bat towards short mid-wicket for no runs.

Tanush Kotian to Yash Thakur, No run.Play and a miss! Fuller outside off, spinning in. Yash Thakur gets on the knee to sweep it towards the deep mid-wicket but misses the hit on the under edge.

Tanush Kotian to Yash Thakur, No run.Pitches on off. Yash Thakur drives it back to the bowler and the ball struck the wicket on the non-striker's end.

Tanush Kotian to Aditya Sarwate, 1 run.Fuller on off. Aditya Sarwate nudges it towards mid-wicket region and gets a single.

Tanush Kotian to Aditya Sarwate, No run.Short on off. Aditya Sarwate scoop it towards fine leg fielder.

Tanush Kotian to Aditya Sarwate, No run.Beaten! Fuller delivery, just outside off, spinning it in. Aditya Sarwate tries to defend at the front but gets beaten on the inner edge.

Tushar Deshpande to Yash Thakur, No run.Short of a length, on middle. Yash Thakur blocks it back to the bowler. Maiden wicket for Tushar Deshpande!

Tushar Deshpande to Yash Thakur, No run.Short and on middle and leg. Yash Thakur blocks it back to the bowler.

Tushar Deshpande to Yash Thakur, No run.Short delivery outside off. Yash Thakur leaves it alone.

Tushar Deshpande to Yash Thakur, No run.Hard-length delivery, wide outside off. Yash Thakur steers it towards backward point for no runs.

Yash Thakur is the next man in.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, OUT! c Shams Mulani b Tushar Deshpande.OUT! TAKEN! Tushar Deshpande joins the party now! The crowd is going mad in Wankhede! Tushar Deshpande bowls it back of a length, once again, on middle and leg. Harsh Dubey hangs back and nudges it towards square leg but a bit uppishly. The fielder at square leg, Shams Mulani was a bit closer to the wicket. He dives in front and takes an excellent catch. Harsh Dubey has to depart as well after a sensational knock and with that, Vidarbha's chances are now slimmer than ever as two new batters are at the crease now.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, No run.Back of a length on middle. Harsh Dubey stays back and blocks it towards leg side.

Tanush Kotian to Aditya Sarwate, No run.Short, on middle, spinning it down the leg. Aditya Sarwate hangs back and it thumps his pad missing the inner edge.

Tanush Kotian to Aditya Sarwate, 2 runs.Fuller around off. Aditya Sarwate lunges and drives it towards sweeper cover region for a couple of runs.

Tanush Kotian to Aditya Sarwate, No run.Fuller on off. Aditya Sarwate prods halfway and knocks it towards point.

Tanush Kotian to Aditya Sarwate, No run.Fuller on stump. Aditya Sarwate eases it down.

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, OUT! lbw b Tanush Kotian.OUT! LBW! Huge appeal from Tanush Kotian and the Umpire raises his finger this time! Akshay Wadkar goes for the review! This one is fuller on middle and turns in a shy bit. Akshay Wadkar prods and tries to flick but misses the connection and gets hit on the pads while short leg grabs it as well. UltraEdge shows there's no spike when the ball passes the bat but Ball Tracking shows three reds. The on-field call remains and Akshay Wadkar has to depart after an outstanding knock. Everyone present at the stadium is clapping for Akshay Wadkar in the stadium but they are even happier as Mumbai gets their first and the all-important breakthrough of Day 5!

The wounded, Aditya Sarwate comes out to the middle now.

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, No run.Short on off. Akshay Wadkar hangs back to ease it outside off.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, 1 run.Good-length delivery on leg. Akshay Wadkar nudges it towards square leg for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, 1 run.Back of a length on off. Harsh Dubey dabs it towards cover for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, 1 run.On a length on leg. Akshay Wadkar pulls it towards deep backward square leg for one.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, 1 run.Back of a length around off. Harsh Dubey rocks back and pushes it towards the cover region for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, No run.Short of a length once again on off. Harsh Dubey stays low to leave it alone to the keeper.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, No run.Bangs a short delivery on middle. Harsh Dubey ducks under it.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, 1 run.Fuller delivery around off. Harsh Dubey knocks it towards cover and gets a single.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, No run.Fuller on off. Harsh Dubey lunges and drives it gently towards cover point.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, No run.Fuller on stump. Harsh Dubey rests it down.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, Four!FOUR! This is excellent cricketing from Harsh Dubey! Tanush Kotian bowls it fuller on off. Harsh Dubey strides out, leans on the delivery and drives it to past the cover fielder. The ball rolls towards deep cover fence for a boundary.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, No run.Fuller on middle. Harsh Dubey rests it towards leg side.

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, 1 run.Century for Akshay Wadkar! What an inning by the skipper! Absolutely exceptional and he has led from the front. He goes on his knees and prays to his almighty and lifts his bat to acknowledge the applause. This one is fuller delivery on off. Akshay Wadkar lunges and eases it towards cover and gets a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, 1 run.Fuller around off. Akshay Wadkar eases it towards deep cover point for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, No run.Fuller delivery on off. Akshay Wadkar crouches a bit and knocks it down the pitch.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, 1 run.Bangs a short one, on middle. Harsh Dubey rides the bounce and blocks it towards cover for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, 1 run.On a length just outside off. Akshay Wadkar opens the face of bat towards point and gets a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, No run.Hard-length delivery on off. Akshay Wadkar rocks back and pushes it outside off.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, 2 runs.Back of a length just outside off. Akshay Wadkar hangs back and punches it towards sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Tushar Deshpande to bowl from the other end.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, No run.Tossed up fuller on off. Harsh Dubey pushes it back to the bowler.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, No run.Fuller on off. Harsh Dubey blocks it down.

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, 1 run.Fuller on middle and off. Akshay Wadkar milks it towards square leg for a single.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, Leg bye.LEG BYE! Fuller on leg. Harsh Dubey misses the tuck and the ball thumps the pad towards the fine leg region. They crossed once again for a leg bye.

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, Leg bye.LEG BYE! Fractionally short on off and spins in towards leg. Akshay Wadkar prods to rest it down but it thumps the upper pad and the ball bounces towards fine leg. The batter crosses for a leh bye.

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, 2 runs.Fuller outside off. Akshay Wadkar defends it from the outer part of his willow towards deep third man for a couple of runs.

We are back for the penultimate session of the Ranji Trophy final! The players are already out in the middle now. Akshay Wadkar and Harsh Dubey to resume batting for Vidarbha. Tanush Kotian to bowl the first over after Lunch. Let's play...

... DAY 5, SESSION 2 ...

Right then, Vidarbha are still very much in the game and they lost five men of their side but Akshay Wadkar and Harsh Dubey showcased their batting prowess to anchor the innings exquisitely and would like to continue this to stretch the scoreline towards the target. On the other end, Mumbai will need some advice from the coaching staffs as nothing has worked for them. Join us in a short while after the Lunch at 12.40 pm IST (7:10 am GMT).

Mumbai on the flip side, tried everything in their bag to dismiss this rugged partnership but nothing worked for them. They also lost all of their reviews which they obviously regret as they might face situations where they would need it but nothing they could do except repent. Ajinkya Rahane started with a pacer and a spinner duo, then changed to a double-spinner attack, and yet again he brought the experienced Dhawal Kulkarni but nothing could break the partnership. We also witness how Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, and Dhawal Kulkarni together, discussing with the bowlers in between the overs but Mumbai needs to restrategize as soon as possible as the confidence is just pilling up over the opposition on-pitch batters.

SESSION SUMMARY - 85 runs and no wickets in 33 overs! Vidarbha overnight batters are slowly and steadily adding runs on the scoreboard which has certainly kept the hopes online for the side. Akshay Wadkar, the skipper has stepped up and has a huge responsibility to play his game at the same time while guiding the young prospect, Harsh Dubey who has also performed exceptionally. He completed his half-century, and both were impeccable with some lusty blows in the middle of some overs. They were really well at communicating with each other for running between the wickets. Harsh Dubey also got a lifeline in the 117th over as he was given out by the Umpire but reviewed instantly to stay alive on the pitch. They have formed a sturdy partnership of 110 runs off 229 deliveries but they still have 205 runs on board to chase till the end of the day. Their prime objective was to stay on the pitch till lunch which they succeeded, but their now objective will be to keep the momentum flowing till tea break keeping the target in mind.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, No run.Goes fuller this time, on middle, angling in, Harsh Dubey blocks it down the pitch. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 5!

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, No run.Bangs this short again and around leg, Harsh Dubey ducks this time.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, 1 run.On a length and on off this time, Akshay Wadkar punches it sweetly but straight towards mid off for just a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, No run.Back of a length and on middle, Akshay Wadkar pats it down to square leg.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, No run.Bouncer down the leg side this time, Akshay Wadkar ducks again.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, No run.Tushar Deshpande starts the over with another bouncer, on middle, Akshay Wadkar ducks under it.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, No run.Shortish and around leg, Harsh Dubey pads it away.

Tanush Kotian to Harsh Dubey, No run.Looped up, full and on leg, Harsh Dubey defends it on the front foot.

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, 1 run.Flighted, full and on off, Akshay Wadkar eases it towards long on for a single.

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, Four!FOUR! Deft touch! This is flatter, short and around off, Akshay Wadkar lets it come to him, opens the face of the bat slightly and guides it towards the third man fence for a boundary. He moves into the 90s now!

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, No run.Tossed up, full and on middle, Akshay Wadkar uses his feet and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Tanush Kotian to Akshay Wadkar, No run.Floated, short and on off, Akshay Wadkar keeps it out to the off side.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, No run.JAFFA! Tushar Deshpande bowls this on a hard length and on middle, takes of sharply, Harsh Dubey hops up and gets into an awkward position as the ball goes over his head to the keeper.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, No run.Yet another bouncer, on middle, Harsh Dubey ducks again.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, No run.Another bouncer but down the leg side, Harsh Dubey ducks under ot.

Tushar Deshpande to Harsh Dubey, No run.Oh..close! Tushar Deshpande bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Harsh Dubey gets hurried and just keeps his bat hanging out, the ball goes off the shoulder of the bat and lands safely on the pitch.

Tushar Deshpande to Akshay Wadkar, 1 run.Short of a length and on middle, Akshay Wadkar pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.