As the dust settles on the emerald-green pitch of the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC, the city of Mumbai finds itself once more at the heart of a cricketing fairytale—a story that has now engraved its chapter in the history books. The 41-time Ranji Trophy champions, Mumbai, have orchestrated a magnificent performance to claim their rightful place in what will be a record-extending 48th Ranji Trophy final. In a display of sheer dominance, they vanquished Tamil Nadu by an innings and 70 runs.
Mumbai’s charge in the second semifinal of the Ranji Trophy 2024 commenced with a virtuosic execution of bowling prowess, limiting a stunned Tamil Nadu to a paltry 146 runs in the first innings. Yet, the script seemed to waver as the hosts found themselves on shaky ground at 106/7, with the spectre of a deficit looming large. It was then that Shardul Thakur rose to the occasion with an audacious knock of 109 from just 104 balls, crafting his maiden century in first-class cricket to steer his team clear of peril.
The baton was then passed to Tanush Kotian, who, riding high on his quarterfinal century, composed a vital 89 to propel Mumbai to a commanding total of 378. Thakur’s heroics, paired with Kotian’s back-to-back fifty-plus scores, ensured that their team sat comfortably ahead with a 232-run lead—an advantage that would prove unscalable for their challengers.
As Tamil Nadu stepped into the crease for their second stint, teetering on the edge of the precipice, it was clear that an herculean effort would be required to tip the balance in their favor. Hope, however, would soon dissipate as Mumbai’s bowlers once again took center stage. Shams Mulani, with a venomous spell of left-arm spin, pocketed four wickets. Support came from all quarters as Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, and Kotian clinched two wickets apiece. The fate of the match was sealed, and with it, Mumbai’s spot in the final.
The semifinal showdown reached its conclusion on day three—a day that echoed the relentless strength of the Mumbai side. Despite adding a mere 25 runs to their overnight score, the hosts managed to set a daunting lead thanks to their earlier efforts. For Tamil Nadu, the early loss of openers Sai Sudharsan, Narayan Jagadeesan, and Washington Sundar exacerbated an already dire situation. Though Baba Indrajith and Pradosh Ranjan Paul attempted to anchor their ship with a 73-run partnership, it was not to be—Tamil Nadu crumbled, tediously watching the possibility of their 13th final appearance slip away through their fingers.
The highest second-inning score of 70 by Indrajith and Paul’s 25 stood as a testament to a side that, despite its potential, could not withstand the first-inning assault that was a hallmark of Mumbai’s play throughout the tournament.
Now, Mumbai shifts its focus to the horizon where Madhya Pradesh or Vidarbha await in the final, scheduled to begin on March 10th. The anticipation in the Mumbai camp is palpable, a mixture of pride and purpose—a sentiment that reverberates through the city and its legion of cricket enthusiasts.
For Tamil Nadu, it is a moment of reflection, to regroup and reinforce, for their entry into the summit clash must now be slated for another year. The memory of their last final appearance in 2014-15 serves as both a keepsake of triumph and a reminder of the journey back to the pinnacle of domestic cricket.
As the city of dreams prepares to possibly extend their reign once again, Mumbai stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of cricket—a sport that, time after time, captures the hearts and imaginations of millions, and at its heart, celebrates stories of courage, tenacity, and, indeed, dreamlike conquests.
