In a sensational turn of events at the MCA-BKC ground, Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy quarter-final clash against Baroda witnessed an extraordinary feat by their number 10 and 11 batsmen as Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande etched their names in the annals of First-Class cricket history by becoming only the second pair of 10th and 11th batsmen to score centuries in the same innings.
The final day began with Mumbai at 379 for 9, holding a substantial lead of 415 runs. Kotian and Deshpande, with scores of 32 and 23 respectively, took to the crease. Rather than merely completing formalities, the duo scripted a remarkable tale, putting up a monumental partnership of 232 for the 10th wicket. Astonishingly, they fell just one run short of breaking the record for the biggest 10th-wicket stand in Ranji Trophy history.
CSk’s Deshpande and Kotian’s Record-Breaking Partnership
Both batsmen displayed a commendable mix of resilience and aggression. Kotian, expressing his strategy, revealed, “Singles were coming easily. So the plan was to defend and when they bring the field up, we will charge them.” The pair’s communication and shot selection were impeccable, as they waited for the right balls to capitalise on.
Deshpande, who started his career as a batsman, emphasised the importance of playing ball by ball, crediting the pitch for its batting-friendly nature. Unaware of the records they were on the brink of breaking, the duo focused on their partnership, eventually taking Mumbai’s second-innings total to an imposing 569.
The drawn game saw Baroda facing a notional target of 605 in two sessions, ending at 121 for 3. Mumbai now advances to the semi-finals, setting the stage for a clash against Tamil Nadu. For Kotian, reaching a century was a personal triumph after two previous dismissals in the 90s. “I have known since my junior days that I can bat in any situation,” he asserted. Kotian’s unbeaten 120, accompanied by Deshpande’s explosive 123, highlighted Mumbai’s dominance in the quarterfinal encounter.
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