Shardul Thakur scintillating maiden century in the Ranji Trophy semifinal propelled Mumbai into a commanding position against Tamil Nadu on the second day at the BKC Ground. Thakur’s sensational counterattack saw him score a blazing 109, featuring 13 fours and four sixes off just 104 balls, rescuing Mumbai from a precarious position of 106 for seven.
Lord Thakur played handy knock of 109 in MI’s first inning
Facing the daunting challenge posed by R Sai Kishore, who claimed six wickets for Tamil Nadu, Thakur’s aggressive innings turned the tide in Mumbai’s favor. Partnering with Hardik Tamore (35), Thakur orchestrated a crucial 105-run stand for the eighth wicket. Undeterred by the pressure, he continued his onslaught, later joined by Tanush Kotian (74*), and together they added another vital 79 runs for the ninth wicket.
Thakur’s innings showcased his adeptness with the bat, as he skillfully pierced gaps and unleashed powerful shots, including four towering sixes. Notably, this remarkable century came amid Thakur’s battle with an ankle-related issue, highlighting his resilience and determination.
Kotian, joining forces with Thakur once again after their impressive 232-run stand in the previous match, demonstrated his batting prowess with an unbeaten 74. The duo’s partnership of 63 runs for the 10th wicket further solidified Mumbai’s dominant position.
The innings mirrored Mumbai’s ability to stage rearguard actions, a recurring theme in their recent performances. Despite the struggles of key batters, the lower order’s resilience, led by Thakur and Kotian, enabled Mumbai to amass a substantial 207-run first-innings lead, finishing the day at 353 for 9.
This impressive turnaround not only showcased Thakur’s batting prowess but also underlined Mumbai’s depth in their batting lineup. As the match progresses, Thakur’s century stands out as a defining moment, placing Mumbai in a commanding position against Tamil Nadu in this crucial Ranji Trophy encounter.
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