Also Read: Ranji Trophy finals: Vidarbha needs 290 runs in 90 overs to defeat Mumbai

Musheer strikes

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In a spot of bother at 64-2, Vidarbha’s No. 3 Aman Mokhade (32, 2x4) and Test batsman Karun Nair (74, 3x4) showcased fine temperament to counter the spinners before left-arm spinner Musheer Khan (38-2) eventually broke their 54-run stand, dismissing Mokhade LBW.

Nair was lucky to survive when he was dropped on four by wicketkeeper Hardik Tamore off Musheer with Vidarbha’s score reading 70-2. He capitalised on the extra life, hanging on for a whopping 287 minutes and 220 balls, as he stitched a patient 90-run fifth-wicket stand with skipper Akshay Wadkar (56 not out, 6x4, 1x6). However, with just half-an-hour’s play remaining in the day, Musheer drew an edge from Nair and Tamore made no mistake behind the stumps.  

Positive intent

Meanwhile, Wadkar continued to play with a positive intent, cover-driving and comfortably pulling the short stuff as he took the team past the 200-run mark. Mumbai skipper Rahane took the second new ball with 11 overs remaining, and all three pacers—Shardul Thakur, Dhawal Kulkarni and Deshpande—began bowling short. Wadkar and spin bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey (11 not out, 1x4, 1x6) though fought back well to remain unbeaten. After pulling a Deshpande bouncer for four, Wadkar used his pace and guided another short one for a six with an uppercut to reach his eighth half-century of the season.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s star batsman Shreyas Iyer did not take the field on Day Four due to back pain.