Ranji Trophy Final 2024: Musheer Khan’s Century Sets Mumbai’s Commanding Target
In the thrilling climax of the Ranji Trophy final, Musheer Khan’s stellar century and Shreyas Iyer’s aggressive 95 have propelled Mumbai to a commanding position.
With a target of 538 runs looming over Vidarbha, the stage is set for an intense battle on the cricket field.
Mumbai 224 and 418 (Musheer 136, Iyer 95, Rahane 73, Mulani 50*, Dubey 5-144, Yash 3-79) lead Vidarbha 105 and 10 for 0 (Shorey 7*, Taide 3*) by 528 runs.
Mulani also reached fifty, and Vidarbha’s Dubey claimed five wickets in the end. On the third day of the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy final, Mumbai set Vidarbha a target of 538 thanks to a patient 136 from Musheer Khan and an attacking 95 from Shreyas Iyer. In first-class cricket, 536 is the highest target that has been successfully chased down.
With Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar there, the Mumbai batsmen took the Vidarbha fielders for a ride.
In the first over of the day, Ajinkya Rahane got things moving by smacking a four off Umesh Yadav. However, he could only add 15 to his overnight total of 58 before being overtaken by left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey.
Iyer immediately adopted an aggressive strategy, blasting Aditya Thakare for a six over long-off. Iyer defeated Yash Thakur and Umesh when they tried him with the short ball. Iyer also benefited from the lack of bounce, as Thakur’s short balls barely reached chest height. He hit a six with one of those long leg pulls.
On 49, Iyer was fortunate to get an outside edge from Dubey that went between the slip fielder and the wicketkeeper for four runs. That did not, however, deter him from taking his shots. He skipped down the track to Dubey on the first ball after lunch and threw him into the seats beyond long-on.
The other end was solid with Musheer. When he was on 92 and Iyer on 82, it appeared as though Iyer may surpass him to a century at one point. But Musheer overcame his more experienced companion in the end. After passing the landmark, Musheer quickened his pace and reached 129, while Iyer remained five points shy of his hundred.
Iyer attempted to reach the three-figure mark off of Thakare, but he holed out to long-off. Iyer and Musheer shared a 168-run partnership until that point, but Mumbai had already taken a lead of almost 450 runs.
After that wickets fell quickly one after the other. After tea, Dubey dismissed Musheer and Shardul Thakur off successive balls, while Yash bowled Hardik Tamore for five.
Also Read: 18 Years Old Sensation Musheer Khan Shines
With Aditya Sarwate unable to bowl, Dubey bowled the most of the innings and finished with five wickets, dismissing Tanush Kotian for thirteen. With the lower order, Shams Mulani reached his half-century mark and was undefeated at fifty.
Following Mumbai’s 418-run innings in 130.2 overs, the Vidarbha openers were left with two overs remaining before the end of play. Dhruv Shorey and Atharva Taide saw those off without incident.
Musheer Speaks on his Special Ton to Impress Tendulkar
In an exclusive interview, Musheer shared, “I did not even know that Sachin sir was here. But when I was batting on 60, I saw him on the big screen and (thereon) I batted with the motivation that he is watching today, and I have to impress sir.”
The 19-year-old batsman, who had earlier played a pivotal role in the quarter-final and semis, credited not only Tendulkar but also India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma for their support. However, it was the guidance from experienced players Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer that played a significant role in Musheer’s success, as he formed century partnerships with both.
“I got to learn a lot during the partnerships. It is a matter of pride for me that I got to bat with two Test players; it becomes easier for me. Everyone in their team was trying to get Ajju dada (Ajinkya Rahane) out, and it becomes easier for me,” Musheer expressed.
Reflecting on his batting technique and fearless approach, Musheer emphasized the importance of extensive practice and preparation. He mentioned, “When I was dropped from the Ranji Trophy (squad) last year, I learned a lot about the need to work on the technique. I have done a lot of preparations with abbu, and there still is a lot to do.”
Addressing concerns about the perceived risks in his batting style, Musheer explained, “Risk is there in everything. There is risk in defending too. But I have a lot of confidence with it; I have done a lot of preparation and practice by moving in the front. I am also ready for the bouncer. If someone bowls that, I can duck too.”
As the youngest player to score a century for Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy final, Musheer credited his brother and India player Sarfaraz Khan for motivating him to bounce back after a first-innings setback. “He told me to bat the way I found was comfortable,” Musheer shared, highlighting the importance of self-belief and resilience in the face of challenges.
In conclusion, Musheer Khan’s outstanding performance in the Ranji Trophy final not only showcased his cricketing talent but also underscored the impact of inspiration, mentorship, and unwavering determination in achieving success on the cricketing stage.
