Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Vidarbha Beats Tamil Nadu, Will Face Mumbai in Semis

Ranji Trophy : Vidarbha has stormed into the Ranji Trophy semifinals after securing a resounding 198-run victory over Tamil Nadu at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. With this dominant performance, the two-time champions have set up a high-stakes semifinal clash against Mumbai, the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history.

Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Vidarbha Crushes Tamil Nadu by 198 Runs, Sets Up Semifinal Clash with Mumbai

Vidarbha’s Commanding Performance

Vidarbha entered the knockout stages as the top-performing team, having amassed 40 points in the group stage with six wins out of seven matches. Their performance in the quarterfinals was nothing short of clinical as they outclassed Tamil Nadu in all departments over four days.

First Innings: Vidarbha Takes Early Control

Batting first, Vidarbha posted a solid 353 runs in their first innings, led by Karun Nair’s magnificent 122 off 243 balls and Harsh Dubey’s valuable 69. Tamil Nadu struggled in response, folding for just 225, thanks to a brilliant five-wicket haul (5/34) from Aditya Thakare. With a first-innings lead of 128 runs, Vidarbha already had the upper hand.

Second Innings: Yash Rathod Shines with a Century

Resuming Day 3 at 169/5 in their second innings, Vidarbha rode on Yash Rathod’s stunning century (112 off 213 balls) and Harsh Dubey’s well-compiled 64 to extend their total to 272. This set Tamil Nadu an imposing target of 401 runs to chase, a mountain too steep to climb.

Tamil Nadu’s Collapse: Bhute and Dubey Deliver Knockout Punch

Tamil Nadu’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure yet again, managing only 202 in their second innings. Pacers Nachiket Bhute (3/19) and Aditya Thakare (1/20) dismantled the top order, while left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey (3/40) wrapped up the lower order, sealing a comfortable victory for Vidarbha.

Though Pradosh Ranjan Paul (53) and Sonu Yadav (57) showed some resistance with their half-centuries, the lack of support from the rest of the batting unit proved costly for Tamil Nadu.

Semifinal Showdown: Vidarbha vs Mumbai

With this emphatic win, Vidarbha is now set to face Mumbai in the semifinals. Mumbai, the 42-time Ranji Trophy champions, bring a rich legacy and formidable squad, making this an exciting contest.

Vidarbha’s dominant form and all-round strength make them strong contenders, but they will need to be at their absolute best to take down the reigning champions. Fans can expect a high-octane semifinal clash as both teams vie for a spot in the final.

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