Ranji Trophy 2022 final | Sarfaraz Khan, Shams Mulani hold fort amidst MP’s fightback

In the quest for a 42nd Ranji title, Prithvi Shaw-led Mumbai won the toss and opted to bat first in the final against a high-flying Madhya Pradesh outfit.

After a solid opening stand from captain Shaw and in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, the MP bowlers orchestrated a rearguard fight back with late wickets on Day 1.

Up against Ranji giants, chasing their first-ever first-class Trophy, the match marks Madhya Pradesh’s first Ranji Trophy final appearance since the 1999 edition of the tournament.

Here is a summary of the events that transpired before stumps on the opening day of the summit clash at Bengaluru’s M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Ranji Trophy 2022 final: Khan throws counter punches to MP’s fightback

Shaw compiled 47 while Jaiswal slammed 78 as the duo formed a rapid 87-run first-wicket stand upfront. MP speedster Anubhav Agarwal then removed the two openers. Armaan Jaffer and Suved Parkar lost their wickets early, and Mumbai were reduced to 185-4 at one stage.

The 24-year-old batting prodigy Sarfaraz Khan continued his rich vein of form by holding the fort until the close of play. Khan used up 125 deliveries to score an unbeaten 40 and will resume Mumbai’s innings tomorrow with all-rounder Shams Mulani (12*) at the other end.

Among the MP bowlers, Agarwal and spinner Saransh Jain picked up two wickets each. Meanwhile, MP’s leading enigma Kumar Kartikeya, who claimed eight wickets in the semi-final last week, dismissed Jaffer.

Brief scores:

Mumbai: 248-5 (90)

Yashasvi Jaiswal 78, Prithvi Shaw 47

Saransh Jain 2-31, Anubhav Agarwal 2-56 

Mumbai won the toss and opted to bat first.