Nagpur: Vidarbha, the defending champions of the Ranji Trophy, booked their place in the final of the 2023-24 edition after defeating Madhya Pradesh by 62 runs in a nail-biting semi-final at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 233, Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 170 in 61.3 overs, thanks to a brilliant spell of fast bowling by Vidarbha’s Umesh Yadav, who took 6 for 48. Yadav was well supported by Aditya Sarwate, who claimed 3 for 55.
Madhya Pradesh started their chase on a positive note, with openers Ankit Dane and Rajat Patidar adding 50 runs for the first wicket. However, Yadav broke the partnership by dismissing Dane for 25. Patidar soon followed, falling to Sarwate for 28.
The middle order of Madhya Pradesh failed to resist the Vidarbha attack, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Only captain Naman Ojha showed some fight, scoring 41 off 75 balls. However, he was run out by a direct hit from Akshay Wakhare, which triggered a collapse.
Madhya Pradesh lost their last five wickets for just 16 runs, as Yadav and Sarwate ran through the tail. Yadav completed his 10th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, while Sarwate took his 100th wicket in Ranji Trophy.
Earlier, Vidarbha resumed their second innings on 260 for 7, with a lead of 200 runs. They added 32 more runs before being all out for 292. Faiz Fazal top-scored with 75, while Gaurav Yadav took 4 for 73 for Madhya Pradesh.
Vidarbha will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Gujarat and Karnataka in the final, which will be played from March 10 to 14 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Vidarbha will be aiming to win their third consecutive Ranji Trophy title, while their opponents will be looking to stop their dominance.