MP vs MUM | Madhya Pradesh take a commanding first innings lead, enter Day 5 with one hand on the title

Madhya Pradesh have established a firm hold in the Ranji Trophy Final after earning a commanding first innings lead. Madhya Pradesh started the penultimate day, trailing Mumbai by just six runs and with seven wickets in hand. In response to Mumbai’s first innings total of 374 runs, Madhya Pradesh mustered 536 runs in 177.2 overs.

Mumbai did walk out to bat again in the final session of the day, scoring 113 runs for the loss of two wickets in 22 overs. However, they still trail by 49 runs and will need nothing short of a miracle to claim the title on the final day. As things stand, Madhya Pradesh have already got one hand on the title, given that Mumbai should take at least two sessions to set up a reasonable total on the board.

Madhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar proved to be the difference maker with his praiseworthy knock of 122 runs in the first innings. At one moment, it seemed as if Aditya Shrivastava and Co. would run away with the proceedings, but Mumbai did strike back with a couple of quick blows in the second session.

Saransh Jain also chipped in with a handy knock of 57 runs, as wickets kept tumbling on the opposite end. Shams Mulani was among the pick of the bowlers, having five scalps to his name in the first innings. He cleaned up the entire Madhya Pradesh tail, reducing the deficit as far as Mumbai were concerned. 

It was Mohit Avasthi who struck first on Day Four, dismissing Madhya Pradesh skipper Aditya Shrivastava for 25 runs. Tushar Deshpande saw the back of in-form batter, Rajat Patidar in the 164th over. The 27-year-old bowler ended with figures of three wickets for 116 runs in 36 overs.

It came as no surprise when Hardik Tomore was promoted to the top of the order, alongside Prithvi Shaw. Mumbai were in need of quick runs if they were to have any sort of chance going into the final day. The duo started off pretty well, scoring 63 runs in just about 10 overs. However, Hardik Tomore threw away his wicket cheaply, trying to play a clean sweep for a ball that was outside his reach.

Prithvi Shaw also followed Tomore back into the pavilion, after lashing onto a ball wide outside off. Mumbai lost two quick wickets, with the score reading 83 runs. Armaan Jaffer and Suved Parkar somewhat steadied the ship, ensuring no further damage was done on Day Four. At the end of the day’s play, Mumbai’s score read 113 runs for the loss of two wickets, still trailing Madhya Pradesh by 49 runs.

Armaan Jaffer looked comfortable out in the middle, scoring 30 runs off 34 balls before play was called off due to bad light. Mumbai will look to go all out on the final day, with Sarfaraz Khan yet to walk out into the middle. However, the chances for a 42nd Ranji Trophy title have turned bleak for Mumbai, after Madhya Pradesh continued their domination on Day 4.

Score-Card at the End of Day Four:

Mumbai- 374/10, 113-2 

Madhya Pradesh- 536/10