Vijay Hazare Trophy: Ranjane steers Mumbai to tense win over Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu will next take on Madhya Pradesh on Friday in what will virtually be a must-win match if it is to finish in the top two. Mumbai bowled out TN for 183 and struggled in its pursuit before reaching home with only seven balls remaining. 

After winning the toss, Mumbai bowlers led by the seasoned Dhawal Kulkarni exploited the overcast conditions to the hilt as Kulkarni removed opener M Kaushik Gandhi for zero in the first over. TN found run making difficult as left-arm fast bowler Royston Dias, back from an injury lay-off, gave nothing away in an economical spell.

At the completion of 20 overs, TN could manage just 66 for four when Mumbai skipper Aditya Tare introduced spinners. Despite losing his partners, Ashwin batted resolutely and quickly pounced on any loose delivery to despatch it to the fence. He spent considerable time during his knock of 41 off 77 balls and along with wicketkeeper N Jagadeesan 31 (44b, 3x4) revived the innings. 

But once the duo was separated, things went on a downhill for TN. Dhawal Kulkarni was the pick of the bowlers taking three for 44. 

Mumbai received an early jolt losing Prithvi Shaw when pacer K Vignesh had him caught at square leg. Just when it looked like Mumbai was in danger at 79 for five, Shubham Ranjane strung together a vital partnership of 71 with Shivam Dube to take his team to the doorstep of victory. After Dube got out, Mumbai lost two quick wickets but Ranjane averted any further trouble to give Mumbai its third win on the bounce. 

Ashwin once again bowled leg-spin and caught many Mumbai batsmen on the hop. He finished with figures of three for 35 . 

BRIEF SCORES: Tamil Nadu 183 in 49.3 overs (R Ashwin 41, N Jagadeesan 31, Dhawal Kulkarni 3/44, Shubham Ranjane 2/28) lost to Mumbai 184 for eight in 48.5 overs (Shubham Ranjane 59*, Shivam Dube 28)