As the match heads into its final day in Nagpur, Mumbai\u2019s hopes of scripting history took a hit, with the 41-time champions stumbling to 83 for 3 at stumps. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane\u2019s late dismissal further dented their chances, leaving them with a mammoth task to pull off the highest-ever successful chase in Ranji Trophy history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mumbai\u2019s chase got off to a shaky start as their top order struggled against Vidarbha\u2019s left-arm spinners. Harsh Dubey, the tournament\u2019s leading wicket-taker, struck early to remove Ayush Mhatre and Siddhesh Lad while Parth Rekhade once again proved to be Rahane\u2019s nemesis, dismissing him with a delivery that stayed low.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The visitors were also left with a question mark over Suryakumar Yadav\u2019s availability, as he did not take the field throughout Vidarbha\u2019s second innings. Instead, Shivam Dube walked in at No. 5 to join first innings centurion Akash Anand, with the duo left to shoulder Mumbai\u2019s hopes of an improbable turnaround.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier in the day, Rathod showcased remarkable resilience and temperament to wear down Mumbai\u2019s bowling attack. His 158-run stand with Akshay Wadkar rescued Vidarbha from a precarious 56 for 4, as they fought their way towards a total that put Mumbai under immense scoreboard pressure. Wadkar\u2019s defiant 52 off 202 balls was cut short just before lunch when he was bowled by Shams Mulani, who finished with impressive figures of 6 for 85 from 44 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As the pitch began to deteriorate, Mumbai\u2019s spinners found success, with Harsh Dubey and Darshan Nalkande falling in quick succession. However, Rathod remained unshaken, carefully constructing his innings until he finally shifted gears towards the end. Supported by Rekhade, who batted at No. 9 despite playing as a top-order batter in the first innings, Rathod crossed the 150-mark before becoming the last man out, ensuring Vidarbha\u2019s lead soared past 400.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With cracks opening up on the surface and spin playing a major role, Mumbai now face a monumental challenge. Vidarbha\u2019s bowlers, led by Dubey and Rekhade, exploited the rough with immediate success, setting the stage for a gripping final day. Akash Anand, batting on 27, and Shivam Dube, on 12, will need to produce something extraordinary if Mumbai are to chase down 406 - a feat never achieved before in Ranji Trophy history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As Mumbai look to etch their names in the record books, Vidarbha stand just seven wickets away from reaching their third Ranji Trophy final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With cracks opening up on the surface and spin playing a major role, Mumbai now face a monumental challenge. Vidarbha\u2019s bowlers, led by Dubey and Rekhade, exploited the rough with immediate success, setting the stage for a gripping final day. Akash Anand, batting on 27, and Shivam Dube, on 12, will need to produce something extraordinary if Mumbai are to chase down 406 - a feat never achieved before in Ranji Trophy history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Highest tax paying cricketers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n