Mumbai secured their spot in the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy following a hard-fought draw against Baroda, with a first-innings lead proving decisive in their advancement.
The contest, which concluded at the BKC Ground, saw tailenders Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande etch their names in the record books, each scoring centuries. However, it was Mumbai's slender first-innings lead that propelled them into the final four of the prestigious tournament.
With the match ending in a draw on the fifth day, Mumbai's advancement was sealed on the basis of their first-innings lead. They will now face Tamil Nadu in the second semifinal, while Vidarbha will host Madhya Pradesh in the first semifinal encounter.
In a closely contested battle, Mumbai managed to secure a 36-run lead in the first innings after Baroda was dismissed for 348 in response to the hosts' total of 384.
The match reached a stalemate on the final day, with Baroda reaching 121 for three in pursuit of an improbable target of 606. Musheer Khan was named the player of the match for his unbeaten 203 in Mumbai's first innings.
The final day witnessed thrilling action as Mumbai resumed their innings at 379 for nine. Kotian and Deshpande, who were unbeaten overnight, continued their partnership with remarkable ease, piling on further runs and agony for the Baroda team.
Both Kotian and Deshpande recorded their maiden first-class centuries, stitching together a monumental 232-run partnership for the 10th wicket. However, they narrowly missed equalling the record for the highest 10th wicket partnership.
Kotian remained unbeaten on 120, while Deshpande contributed 123 before being dismissed by Ninad Rathva. Mumbai's total reached 569 in 132 overs, setting a daunting target for Baroda.
In Baroda's second innings, they managed to reach 121 for three in 30 overs before the match was called off.
Brief Scores: Mumbai 384 & 569 (Kotian 120*, Deshpande 123; Bhatt 7/200) drew with Baroda 348 & 121/3 (Moliya 54; Kotian 2/16).
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