Mumbai, on the last day of the 2024 season, defeated Vidarbha by 169 runs to win their 42nd Ranji Trophy, setting a new record. Vidarbha put up a heroic fight to chase a formidable 538 runs, with captain Akshay Wadkar striking a century, but Mumbai’s spinners saw to it that Vidarbha was bowled out for 368.
Vidarbha put up a valiant battle on Day 5 of the final, with captain Akshay Wadkar and Harsh Dubey leading the team’s struggle against Ajinkya Rahane’s players. Vidarbha scored 81 runs in the opening session without losing a wicket thanks to the two’s resolute stance at the crease, which frustrated the home team.
Following lunch, Wadkar gave Vidarbha’s innings a boost with a magnificent century, showcasing his batting prowess. But when it was time to step it up, Tanush Kotian got his wicket by lbw-ing Wadkar.
Following the captain’s exit, Vidarbha’s batting line-up came under increasing pressure. Even Dubey, who showed fortitude by hitting a steely 65 off 128 deliveries, gave in to the pressure of the scoreboard.
Mumbai won their first Ranji Trophy title after 2016. The domestic powerhouses increased their lead over other teams in the standings for the most trophies won in the first-class competition. No other team has won the Ranji Trophy on so many occasions, with Karnataka being a distant second (8 titles).
