New Delhi:
Gujarat made history when they clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title by defeating Mumbai by five wickets in the final played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Gujarat’s sensational win was scripted by the batting heroics of their skipper Parthiv Patel and seasoned Manprit Juneja.
Set an imposing target of 312 by Mumbai on the final day of the match, Gujarat were in all sorts of trouble when Mumbai pace duo of Shardul Thakur and Balwinder Sandhu wrecked their top order. Gujarat’ chase was down in the doldrums before their skipper Parthiv Patel led from the front by scoring a fighting century to take his side to victory.
Patel was ably supported by Manprit Juneja who played a defiant knock of 54.
Skipper Parthiv Patel was rightfully declared the Man of the match for his batting exploits in the final. Patel scored 90 in Gujarat's first innings and followed it up with a century in the second.
Day 5 report
Mumbai looked in a commanding position on Day 5 as they set Gujarat an imposing target of 312 on the final day of the grand finale.
Mumbai seamer Shardul Thakur and Balwinder Sandhu bowled in great channels in the morning session and swung the bowl to great effect in helpful seaming conditions at the Holkar Stadium.
Thakur was rewarded for his consistent bowling as he removed opener Priyank Panchal.
Sandhu then served a double dent to Gujarat by pegging off Bharghav Meria’s stump. Mumbai skipper Abhishek Nayar then produced a moment of magic to remove opener Samit Gohel, leaving Gujarat stuttering at 89 for 3.
Parthiv Patel and Manprit Juneja then used all their valuable experience to put the innings back on track. Patel exhibited brilliant stroke play all-round the wicket and scored a brilliant century. Meanwhile Juneja too got to his half century.
