Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report For VID vs MUM 2nd Semi-Final Of Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report [Source: @Abhijitsing4U/x.com]

The second semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 is set to witness an exciting contest as Vidarbha square off with defending champions Mumbai at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur starting Monday, February 17. Both teams have been in exceptional form throughout the tournament and will leave no stone unturned in their quest for a spot in the final.

Vidarbha

Vidarbha have been the team to beat this season. Dominating Group B with six wins and a draw, they entered the knockout stage with momentum on their side. In the quarter-final, they delivered a statement performance by defeating Tamil Nadu by a massive 198-run margin. T

heir performance in the quarters was proof of their all-round strength. Harsh Dubey spun a web around Tamil Nadu’s batters while YV Rathod’s dependable batting proved vital yet again. Now, they stand just one step away from the title clash and will be keen to finish the job in style.

Mumbai

On the other hand, Mumbai keep on showing why they are considered one of the best teams in Indian domestic cricket. The defending champions breezed into the semi-final with a comfortable 152-run win over Haryana in the quarters.

Mumbai’s batting lineup is a nightmare for opposition bowlers with proven match-winners like Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Shardul Thakur ready to turn the game on its head at any moment. Adding to that firepower is all-rounder Shams Mulani, who has been equally effective with both bat and ball this season. Mumbai’s confidence will be sky-high as they chase yet another Ranji Trophy title.

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium Stats And Records in Ranji Trophy

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Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium Nagpur: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The pitch at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium offeres a balanced contest between bat and ball but it also has its quirks. The first two days typically provide excellent batting conditions with a consistent bounce that allows batters to play their shots with confidence. However, the true nature of the pitch is revealed as the match progresses. By Day 3, the surface begins to wear down and brings spinners much more into the game in a big way.

By Days 4 and 5, cracks on the pitch widen, causing variable bounce and sharp turn, which makes life difficult for batters. Spinners can exploit the rough patches effectively, while pacers might find some assistance with reverse swing. The average first-innings score at this ground is 258, indicating that teams will want to bat first and make the most of the early advantage. The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bat first to capitalize on the better batting conditions early in the game and avoid the tricky fourth innings.

Player To Watch Out For At Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium Nagpur

Harsh Dubey

• Vidarbha’s spin sensation Harsh Dubey has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. He leads the wicket-taking charts with an impressive 59 wickets in 16 innings. Dubey’s ability to extract turn and bounce on spin-friendly surfaces makes him a nightmare for opposition batters.
• His best performance of 6/36 this season showed his knack for breaking partnerships and controlling the flow of the game. Dubey’s flight and control make him the key to Vidarbha’s chances in this crucial semi-final.

Shams Mulani

• Mumbai’s Shams Mulani has been a valuable asset with both bat and ball. With 36 wickets to his name, Mulani has been the go-to bowler for Mumbai when they need breakthroughs. His left-arm spin has been effective in controlling the middle overs, and he has a habit of picking up wickets at crucial moments.
• But Mulani isn’t just about bowling, he’s a handy batter too. His unbeaten 100 against Meghalaya earlier in the season showed his ability to dig his team out of tricky situations. His all-round skills make him a player to watch in this semi-final, especially on a pitch that will assist spinners.

Yash Rathod

• For Vidarbha’s batting unit, Yash Rathod has been the pillar of strength. The right-hander has scored 728 runs in 14 innings at an impressive average of 52.00 this season. Rathod’s ability to build long innings and convert starts into big scores makes him the backbone of Vidarbha’s batting lineup.
• His four centuries this season have often come in pressure situations, proving that he’s a player who thrives when the stakes are high. Against Mumbai’s formidable bowling attack, Rathod’s contribution at the top will be crucial for Vidarbha’s success.

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