Kerala into their second-ever semi-final
Salman Nizar is the hero for Kerala as they enter the Ranji Trophy semi-final only for the second time in their history. They get there having batted out the entire final day of an absorbing contest against Jammu & Kashmir that went into the last 30 minutes with all results possible.
J&K needed four wickets, while Kerala simply needed to bat time to ensure a draw that was enough since they’d taken a one-run lead. Nizar was unbeaten on 44 off 162 balls, Mohammed Azharuddeen 67 off 118 balls. The seventh-wicket pair batted out 42.4 overs to grind J&K’s attack to dust on the final day.
As important as Nizar’s second-innings rearguard was, it was his first-innings 112 that set the game up for Kerala, taking them from the brink to giving them the lead that eventually proved massive. Nizar marshalled the lower order, putting together 81 with No. 11 Basil Thampi to help steal the lead after J&K had Kerala tottering at 200 for 9 after they’d posted 280.
That J&K are bowing out without having lost a single game this season will make their exit even tougher to digest.
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The clock begins to tick
Nearing the last 30 mins.
What an effort from Kerala to get this far. Eight wickets to play with at the start of the day. They took a bold step of not chasing the runs but just surviving. They have nearly.a
Not the best of seasons for Azharuddeen so far, but comes good when it matters most. This is only his third half-century of the competition.
J&K still need four wickets.
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Half-century stand between Azhar & Nizar
Kerala's hopes brighten as the two have now put on 70 for the seventh wicket. More than the runs, it's the time they've taken out of the game that is crucial.
They've nearly batted 30 overs. Kerala are a little more than one hour away from safety.
That said, one wicket here could open the flood gates.
Heroic effort from these two.
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Salman Nizar holds the key
Get the sense Kerala's hopes are now resting on Salman Nizar, who has been such a key player for them this season.
Take just the first innings. 200 for 9 overnight, needing 80 runs for a lead, and he Marshalls the No. 11 to make an unreal 112 and give Kerala a one-run lead.
Now with them six down and collapsing, Nizar's key to seeing off the new-ball challenge as Kerala look to eat into time. There's still a little more than a session to bat out.
Can he do it?
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J&K make big inroads
Thirty minutes after lunch, the game has come alive as J&K have prised out the big wickets of Sachin Baby and Jalaj Saxena, who have a combined experience of 244 first-class matches.
Baby falls first to Lotra for 48 as he plays back to one that bounces extra with the wicketkeeper Wadhwan taking a smart catch. In the next over, Jalaj is caught in the slips after being beaten in flight while trying to drive Mushtaq with the spin. The wicket came immediately on the back of a boundary Jalaj hit through the covers.
Mushtaq did superbly well to pull his length back and got the ball to bite off the deck, Jalaj was committed to play the drive and only managed a thick edge through to the slips.
What a moment in the game! J&K can smell the toffee.
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J&K strike finally
A wicket after nearly 44 overs for J&K as Akshay Chandran is out caught at short leg for a defiant 48 off 183 balls. Given not out, J&K used their referral to overturn the decision.
Only 46 runs in that session over 31 overs for the loss of one wicket. Kerala are only looking for survival and need to bat out two sessions to make the semi-finals.
After the break, Jalaj Saxena and Sachin Baby, two of their most experienced batters, will resume.
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J&K pacers tiring
Muzaffar, Nazir & Yudhvir are all tiring.
They're now trying to dig the ball in short to the left-handers from around the wicket, with square leg and a square third man for the ramp. Just to bait them into playing a pull that they feel could induce a top-edge and a wicket.
So far, Sachin Baby has been resolute in bailing out by dropping his gloves and swaying away.
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One hour done: No wickets lost
Kerala have scored just 13 runs in the first 10 overs of play on the final day. The crucial thing from their point of view is they haven't lost a wicket. It seems fairly clear runs are immaterial at this stage. And so, the 399-run target they've been set is only academic. Because Kerala have a one-run lead, simply batting out the day will see them through. Akshay Chandran has looked solid, as has Sachin Baby. Kerala are 115/2.
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Kerala v J&K set for tight finish
Kerala 100/2 at stumps.
They need to score 299 or bat out 90 overs on Wednesday to qualify for the semi-final.
It's the only game that will go into the final day, and we'll be back to bring you the twists and turns.
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Vidarbha through
Tamil Nadu have been bowled out for 202 to win by 199 runs.
Three wickets for Harsh Dubey in the second innings to go with his twin half-centuries. The game was set up in the first innings by Karun Nair, who struck a second straight hundred.
TN paid the price for collapsing in both innings with the bat.
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Mumbai are through
1 Five-wicket hauls for Royston Dias, the left-arm seamer, as Mumbai beat Haryana by 153 runs
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Mumbai two wickets away
.....from setting up a semi-final date with Vidarbha (well, almost).
Haryana's chase of 354 went haywire right from get go as they stumbled to 60 for 5, before Lakshay Dalal and Sumit Kumar put together a 90-run stand. As it turns out, they were simply delaying the inevitable.
Anshul Kamboj is the latest batter to be dismissed after he's out top-edging a pull to midwicket off Royston Dias, who now has four wickets.
Haryana 181 for 8 and on the brink.
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It's all over in Rajkot
Gujarat have waltzed into the semi-finals, beating Saurashtra by an innings and 98 runs. Resuming on 33 for 0, Saurashtra lasted just 56.1 overs on Day 4 to be bowled out for 197. Arzan Nagwaswalla, the left-arm seamer, was among the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets. Ravi Bishnoi, the legspinner, picked up two wickets, including the big one of Sheldon Jackson.
As it turns out, that is the last we would see of Jackson the first-class cricketer who has announced his retirement from professional cricket. Jaydev Unadkat, the Saurashtra captain, presents Jackson with a signed jersey with a heartfelt note. Jackson retires as one of Saurashtra's most prolific batters, with over 7200 runs in a career that spanned close to 15 years.
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J&K set Kerala 399 for victory
J&K didn't allow their heads to drop after conceding the first-innings lead. They've fought back to declare their second innings on 399 for 9, with captain Paras Dogra coming good after a prolonged lean patch. He struck his first century of the season to lead their charge. He was superbly complemented along the way by Kanhaiya Wadhwan (64), Sahil Lotra (59) and the lower order. In the 45 minutes post lunch, they added 82 in just 9.3 overs before declaring. Kerala have a massive, massive chase ahead of them.
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Haryana in tatters
The wheels are coming off for Haryana. It's been mayhem in the first 30 minutes post lunch with Haryana losing four wickets. They're tottering at 61 for 5 chasing 354, Shardul has accounted for three of those wickets to take his tally so far to nine scalps in the match. Three of these wickets consecutively between overs 14-17. The target is looking out of sight as Lakshya Dalal and Sumit Kumar look to stem the rot.
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TN set 401 for berth in semi-final
In Nagpur, Vidarbha have been bowled out for 272, a batting effort spearheaded by the stylish Yash Rathod who top-scored with 112, while Harsh Dubey made 69, his second half-century of the match. R Sai Kishore, the TN captain, picked up his 12th first-class five-for. Make no mistake, this will be a mammoth chase.
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Shardul strikes early
Shardul Thakur has removed first-innings centurion and Haryana captain Ankit Kumar for 11 as Haryana go into lunch 31 for 1 chasing 354. It's Shardul's seventh wicket in the match.
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J&K are going from strength to strength
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Gujarat strike; Pujara falls early
Gujarat have taken a giant stride towards victory. After opening up a 295-run lead, they've reduced Saurashtra to 81 for 2. This includes the wicket of Pujara, who has been dismissed for 2. Sheldon Jackson and Harvik Desai are at the crease.
Saurashtra not only have to wipe out this massive deficit but also try and get ahead by a number they feel comfortable enough to defend and then, phew, have to pick up the 10 wickets they need to win. Looking increasingly impossible. But, stranger things have happened.
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No lower-order heroics this time from Mumbai
61 Runs Mumbai added on Day 4 for the loss of six wickets. They're bowled out for 339 in the second innings, leaving Haryana needing to chase 354 for a place in the semi-finals.
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Kerala break through but J&K on top
N Basil has broken a 146-run stand between Kanhaiya Wadhawan & Paras Dogra.
Wadhawan looks to step out and slap a length ball through the covers, but ends up getting a thick edge that is superbly pouched by Sachin Baby diving full-length to his left at first slip.
The game was beginning to get away from Kerala, this wicket must help them breathe a sigh of relief.
J&K 228 for 4, lead by 227. Dogra, the captain, is unbeaten on 95.
Harsh Dubey continues to prove all-round chops
Second half-century of the match for 22-year-old Harsh Dubey, this season's highest wicket-taker who has also topped 400 runs for the season.
After a superb 69, a bulk of which was made in Karun Nair's company in the first innings to help Vidarbha post 353, Dubey has notched up another fine innings. This one has helped arrest a mini-collapse of sorts. He came in to bat with Vidarbha 114 for 5, and has now taken the innings up to 210 for 5, leading by 338.
Batting with him is Yash Rathod, who is unbeaten on 75.
Thakral gets Rahane, Dube in successive overs
Anuj Thakral strikes twice in two overs, Rahane first and Dube next. Rahane was looking to flay one on the up through the covers and nicked to the keeper for 108. Dube goes chasing after a length ball angling away and gets a thin edge through to Rohit Sharma. Mumbai's lead is 332 as Shardul Thakur joins Shams Mulani in the middle.
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Cometh the hour, cometh the champion
At Eden Gardens, Ajinkya Rahane has added 12 to his overnight total to bring up a 41st first-class hundred, his first of the season. It's ensured Mumbai, who pocketed a slender 15-run lead, are now ahead by 300, with six wickets still standing.
Rahane's runs at a vital time of the season reminds of his 2023-24 Ranji season when Mumbai were champions. He couldn't buy a run during the group phase, but stood up when it mattered most. His second-innings 73 in last year's final was only his second half-century in a modest season he finished with 214 runs. But those runs were massively vital in building a massive lead that they defended.
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J&K recover after conceding lead
Kerala started the day staring at an 80-run deficit, but a last-wicket stand of 81 helped them nudge ahead by one run. This was made possible by Salman Nizar, who struck an unbeaten 112, a majority of it with the lower order.
But J&K have recovered superbly with the bat. Leading the way is 40-year old Paras Dogra, who has struck form at the right time. Having been woefully out of runs - he had tallied just 216 runs in the season prior to this game, he has responded with an unbeaten 73 as J&K end the day 179 ahead with seven wickets still remaining.
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Saurashtra, TN face uphill battle
With two days left and a deficit of 262 to wipe out, Saurashtra are faced with the reality of a quarter-final exit against unheralded Gujarat in Rajkot. Resuming on 260 for 4, Gujarat posted 511 courtesy centuries from Jaymeet Patel (103) and Urvil Patel (140).
In Nagpur, TN conceded a 128-run lead to Vidarbha, but limited the lead to 297 at stumps with the hosts five down. This included the wicket of in-form Karun Nair. Yash Rathod was unbeaten on 55, while Harsh Dubey, who made 69 in the first innings, unbeaten on 29. Vidarbha still hold the aces, but it could've been far worse for Tamil Nadu.
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Rahane, Surya script superb Mumbai turnaround
Mumbai are in a position from where they can dictate terms in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Haryana in Kolkata.
The day dawned with a them eyeing first-innings honours, and Shardul Thakur made it possible by picking up four out of the five wickets to fall as Haryana, resuming on 263 for 5, were bundled out for 301, giving Mumbai a 15-run lead.
At 100 for 3, that lead looked a lot smaller than it is, but Ajinkya Rahane, like he did in last year's final after going through a barren patch all season, has risen to the occasion with a stodgy unbeaten 88. His partnership of 129 with Suryakumar Yadav, who made 70, has helped swell the lead to 292 at stumps.
Since Surya's dismissal after having ended a lean run of sorts of his own, Mumbai have been powered by an unbroken 49-run stand between Rahane and Dube.
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295 Gujarat's lead as they're finally bowled out. Looks like the game may have gone beyond Saurashtra.
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Is there a way back for Tamil Nadu?
They've conceded a 128-run lead, but they've reduced Vidarbha to 120 for 5 in the second innings. All the strike bowlers have shared the spoils so far, and it includes the big wicket of Karun Nair. Vidarbha are still ahead by 248, and with Harsh Dubey and Akshay Wadkar around, they'd fancy themselves to cross 300. The question is, if for example TN limit the lead to below that, will they think they're back in the game?
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Urvil Patel continues excellent season
At SMAT, Urvil Patel showed a destructive side to his batting during the course of his 315 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 229.92.
Here in the Ranji Trophy, the 26-year-old wicketkeeper is showing there's a mellower, yet equally effective side to him. And it has certainly put Gujarat in an excellent position to push for a semi-final berth.
Playing in only his ninth first-class match, Urvil has brought up his maiden century to help Gujarat extend their lead. They're currently 427 for 6, leading Saurashtra by 212 runs halfway into the third day's play.
Jaymeet Patel (103) and Manan Hingrajia (83) have been the other key contributors.
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Rahane, SKY steady Mumbai
At 100 for 3, Mumbai needed a semblance of normalcy to proceedings. By that, I mean a period of consolidation and stodgy batting on a surface that's still doing things for the seamers. Ajinkya Rahane and Suryakumar Yadav, who is battling a bit of a dip in form, have provided that. The two have put on 42 so far and have looked in good touch.
Mumbai 142/4, lead by 157.
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Gujarat dominate; TN concede big lead
In Nagpur, Vidarbha have bowled TN out for 225. They take a 128-run lead.
In Rajkot, Urvil Patel has hit fifty to build on Jaymeet Patel's century as Saurashtra are being ground to dust. Gujarat's lead is 112 and they still have five wickets in hand.
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Kerala steal lead from J&K
A last-wicket stand of 81 between Salman Nizar and Basil Thampi has helped Kerala surpass J&K's 280 by one run. Nizar makes his second straight century, also his second in first-class cricket. He finishes 112 not out, much of it coming with the lower order as he leads Kerala's revival from 139 for 7. How crucial will that one run prove to be?
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Shardul six-for gives Mumbai 14-run lead
15 Number of first-class five-wicket hauls for Shardul Thakur.
Four of his six wickets came this morning. The timing of it was crucial, as Haryana were looking to build on Ankit Kumar's century. Resuming on 263 for 5, they've been bowled out for 301. The game continues to move on at a frenetic pace, with Mumbai already 36 for the loss of Akash Anand. They lead by 50 at the moment.
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Salman Nizar to Kerala's rescue again
Last week, Salman Nizar bailed Kerala out from doldrums in a must-win against Bihar. From 189 for 7, he marshalled the lower order to make a magnificent 150, his maiden first-class century. This week, the stakes were a lot higher. In a knockout game against a competent J&K attack, with Kerala having their backs to the wall, he's nearing a magnificent century.
Having conceded 280, Kerala were in big trouble at 137 for 7. Yet again, Nizar has batted majorly with the lower order to bail the side out. The last-wicket partnership between Nizar and Basil Thampi is now worth 58 and counting. Kerala trail by just 22.
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Shardul's triple rocks Haryana
In Kolkata, Haryana have lost three wickets for the addition of just 22 runs in the first 45 minutes of play - all by Shardul Thakur who continues to rise to the occasion every time he's asked to do a job by the captain. Two of these wickets - of Jayant Yadav and Anuj Thakral - have come in the 81st over immediately after Mumbai take the second new ball. Jayant was out nicking to the keeper while attempting a loose drive, while Thakral was pouched superbly at second slip by Siddesh Lad. Haryana are 285 for 8, still trailing Mumbai by 30 runs.
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See you on Day 3
You can find the key updates of all four games right below, one after the other. Look forward to the moving day on Sunday. Can't wait to have your company.
Do read our features in the meanwhile.
Harsh Dubey chats about his journey, with help from R Ashwin. By Shashank Kishore
The story of J&K's run to the knockouts after five years. By Himanshu Agrawal.
How Saurashtra went from rock bottom to being contenders. Can they play like that tomorrow to bounce back? By Shashank Kishore
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Thakare strikes after Karun-Dubey lift Vidarbha
Vidarbha entered the knockouts with most outright wins among all teams (six in seven), and are well on track to add another one into their kitty.
For that, they've to thank Karun Nair and Harsh Dubey, who hit 122 and 69 respectively, to bail them out of choppy waters. Then with the ball, seamer Aditya Thakare picked up four of the six wickets to fall. He was particularly incisive with the new ball and had the top three, which included the big strike of B Sai Sudharsan for 7.
Vijay Shankar and C Andre Siddarth put together a 95-run stand to revive the innings before their dismissals in consecutive overs rocked TN again.
As things stand, they're staring at a massive first-innings deficit and need an inspirational effort from the lower-order to bail them out.
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Hingrajia, Jaymeet give wings to Gujarat's dreams
A 134-run stand for the fourth wicket between Jaymeet Patel and Manan Hingeajia was key to Gujarat seizing the advantage against Saurashtra in Rajkot. Having resumed on 21 for 0, Gujarat ended 44 ahead with six wickets still remaining. Jaymeet, the 22-year-old, who is in his maiden season was in sight of his second first-class century.
It didn't seem like Gujarat would be in this position though when Saurashtra had them reeling at 78 for 3 at one stage, with Jaydev Unadkat and Chirag Jani in red-hot form. Then, Gujarat's unheralded batting line-up stood up and absorbed the pressure before tucking themselves in late in the day to open up the prospect of a potentially decisive lead.
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Nizar, Jalaj lead Kerala's fight but J&K ahead
In the previous round, Salman Nizar led Kerala's superb rally against Bihar, lifting them from 189 for 7 to 351. He finished with a superb 150.
But this is the quarterfinal, and the J&K attack has proven to be a lot more potent. He's stood like a rock, hitting an unbeaten 50 even as the others around him have fallen, some to poor shots and others to some outstanding swing bowling from Aquib Nabi.
Kerala have one wicket in the bank, and will bank on Nizar on the third day to try and get as close as they can to J&K's 280. They're still 80 behind. The only other source of resistance for Kerala was Jalaj Saxena, who made a counter-attacking 67.
J&K are well ahead, but Kerala have done well to come back to where they are from 11 for 3.
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Mumbai v Haryana in the balance
Haryana v Mumbai is fascinatingly poised. Mumbai were under the pump for large parts of the day on the field, but they've not allowed Haryana to break away.
Having put up 315 - they added 37 to their overnight 278 for 8 - Mumbai were resisted by Haryana captain Ankit Kumar, who struck a magnificent 136, his fifth first-class hundred and second in a row. But his dismissal at the fag end of the day to Shams Mulani has left the game in the balance.
Mulani and Kotian have picked up two wickets apiece, while Shardul has one.
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Nearing the final hour
At Eden Gardens, a magnificent century from Haryana captain Ankit Kumar has kept Haryana's hopes of pocketing a first-innings lead alive. But from 168 for 1, they've lost three quick wickets to the spinners, Two of them courtesy Tanush Kotian, who contributed a crucial 97 on the opening day. Haryana are currently 218 for 4, trailing Mumbai by 97.
In Pune, Kerala have slumped after a 96-run stand between half-centurion Jalaj Saxena and Akshay Chandran. From 11 for 3, they'd recovered to 115 for 3 when Jalaj was out hooking to fine leg for a counter-attacking 67. Sahil Lotra, the off spinner, and Yudhveer Singh, the seamer, have made further inroads as Kerala are currently 137 for 6, trailing J&K by 143.
In Nagpur, Vidarbha have TN on the mat. But from 38 for 4, Andre Siddarth, in his maiden first-class season, and the experienced Vijay Shankar have put on a half-century stand. TN are currently 105 for 4, trailing Vidarbha by 247. Three of these wickets have been picked by seamer Aditya Thakare.
A century stand between Manan Hingrajia and Jaymeet Patel appears to have flattened Saurashtra. Gujarat are within touching distance of a first-innings lead and still have seven wickets in the bag.
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Gujarat on the ascendancy
An unbroken half-century stand between Hingrajia and Jagmeet has helped Gujarat eat into the deficit as Saurashtra have been made to work hard for wickets. The surface has eased out a touch, edges aren't carrying and any lead of 100 or thereabouts could potentially be match-winning. Gujarat are currently 157 for 3, trailing Saurashtra by just 59 runs.
Jalaj leads Kerala recovery
Kerala's Man Friday couldn't quite pick up wickets in the first innings, but he stands tall yet again with his team pushed to a corner. Having come in to bat at 11 for 3 in response to J&K's 280, Jalaj has hit a typically industrious half-century in Akshay Chandran's company to lead their revival. The third-wicket partnership is now worth 75.
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Sai Sudharsan falls cheaply
Vidarbha have struck twice early courtesy Aditya Thakare.
On a comeback trail from a sports hernia surgery, B Sai Sudharsan is out for just 7 attempting to flay a short delivery through point. The ball flies off the blade, but it's intercepted by a diving Yash Thakur at backward point.
Thakur threw himself to his left and was airborne when he caught the ball. The third umpire was summoned to check if he was fully in control of the ball when he landed awkwardly and released the ball to celebrate.
Tamil Nadu 36/2
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Who else but Shardul?
Shardul Thakur breaks an 87-run opening stand by trapping Lakshya Dalal lbw with a nip-backer that beats his inside edge and crashes onto the front pad. DRS confirms the same; Haryana have also lost a review. The wicket comes at a time when Mumbai were getting slightly frustrated at their inability to strike on what is still a very good pitch for the seamers.
In the following over, Ankit Kumar has brought up his half-century off 73 deliveries. Haryana are still well-placed after bowling out Mumbai for 315.
Haryana openers lay strong foundation
After quickly wrapping up the Mumbai innings this morning for 315, Haryana's Ankit Kumar and Lakshay Dalal have put together an unbroken 75-run stand to go into lunch visibly happy with their morning's work.
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Auqib Nabi has Kerala's top three
An out-swinger snuffed out Rohan Kunnummaal.
An in-swinger removed Shoun Roger
Now, late tail back in shatters Sachin Baby's stumps.
An in-swinger removed Shoun Roger
Now, late tail back in shatters Sachin Baby's stumps.
Kerala 11/3, in response to J&K's 280.
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Harsh Dubey continues to impress
This season's highest wicket-taker (55 scalps at 14) continues to get better and more impactful for the 22-year-old left-arm spinning allrounder.
Dubey came in to bat at a critical juncture tor Vidarbha (231 for 6), and has done a bulk of the scoring in a 95-run partnership with Karun Nair. En route, he's constructed an excellent half-century to help power Vidarbha past the 300-run mark.
One ball after Dubey's fifty, seamer Sonu Yadav snuck one back in on Karun Nair to dismiss him for a superb 122. It was Karun's second straight century in as many matches to extend a golden run of form that saw him smash a chart-topping 779 runs in eight innings, including six hundreds, at the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Prior to this round, I had the opportunity to chat with Harsh Dubey about his impressive rise, and how Tamil Nadu and R Ashwin have played a hand in his development.
4 Number of half-centuries Harsh Dubey has hit this season to go with his 55 wickets
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Auqib Nabi puts J&K on top
What a season it continues to be for the 28-year old from Baramullah.
Now in his fifth season, Nabi is the second-highest wicket-taker of the 2024-25 Ranji. He's now on 40 wickets, having removed the Kerala openers as they've been reduced to 1 for 2 in response to J&K's 280. He doesn't have a lot of pace, but makes up for that with his accuracy and swing.
He first dismissed Rohan Kunnummaal with an out-swinger that he poked to the slips, while Shoun Roger was out to one that cut back in and lifted off the deck to lob up to the slips off his gloves.
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J&K frustrate Kerala
The last two wickets have added 70 runs. The last-wicket pair of Umar Nazir and Auqib Nabi added 34 of those as Jammu & Kashmir finish with 280. In the 9.1 overs of play so far, J&K scored quickly to hit 52 more to their overnight score. For Kerala, MD Nidheesh, the fast bowler, finishes with a six-wicket haul.
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Saurashtra strike early
Saurashtra have picked up two early wickets after they were bowled out for 216. Resuming on 21/0, Gujarat are now 43 for 2. Jaydev Unadkat broke through first to dismiss Aarya Desai, and Chirag Jani has Priyank Panchal caught in the gully. This isn't a typical Rajkot turner. There are patches of green right through the 22 yards and he seamers have been in business. It's the kind of a surface where as a batter, you don't feel settled.
Saurashtra'a fight back is a reflection of their season, which Jaydev Unadkat dissected in detail in a chat with me prior to the match.
Kotian misses ton; Mumbai post 315
In Kolkata, Mumbai have been bowled out for 315, a remarkable recovery from 113 for 7. Tanush Kotian fell just three short of his third first-class hundred. In all, Mumbai added 37 runs for their last two wickets after resuming on 278 for 8. Three wickets apiece for seamer Sumit Kumar and Anshul Kamboj. It's over to the batters now to battle in some tough early-morning conditions at Eden Gardens where there's considerable help for the seamers.
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That's all from day one of the quarter-finals
Mumbai finish on 278 for 8
The first 30 overs of the day in Kolkata were like a sequel to a horror movie for Mumbai. On a hazy morning on a pitch that had seam and swing, their star-studded line-up crumbled against a fairly inexperienced pace attack of Haryana.
Their first four dismissals were all bowled - Ayush Mhatre first ball, Akash Anand leaving one outside off, and Siddhesh Lad (4) and Suryakumar Yadav (9) beaten by incoming deliveries. Rahane (31) and Shivam Dube (28) stemmed the collapse briefly but they edged the ball behind off the pace bowlers and Mumbai were reeling at 113 for 7 when Shardul Thakur fell for 15.
It was a familiar story for Mumbai, collapsing against the new ball - like they had against J&K - and the story continued when their lower order rescued them yet again. Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian patiently played out the pace bowlers who were finishing their second or third spells, and even started to play their shots against the spinners to score at over three an over. Against the old ball, they hardly had any troubles against the Haryana attack and stitched a massive stand of 165 that was broken just before stumps when Mulani handed a return catch to Jayant Yadav. It would have been his second century of the format, but he will be proud of his 19th half-century nevertheless. Kotian is still unbeaten on 85, his 15th half-century, and Mumbai will be pleased they weren't bowled out after those early stutters.
Chintan Gaja takes four, Saurashtra 216 all out
Unlike Mumbai, Saurashtra started the day well and were going steady at 127 for 2, with a half-century for opener Chirag Jani. They, contrastingly, lost wickets to the pace bowlers when the ball got slightly older and slipped to 148 for 6 and then 177 for 7.
Once a scratchy Cheteshwar Pujara (26) handed the simplest of catches to cover off left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai, Gaja and Jaymeet Patel joined hands to stifle the batters outside off with some extra bounce that induced edges for the keeper, slips and gully. Gaja finished with 4 for 48 as Arpit Vasavada steered Saurashtra past 200 with an unbeaten 39. Gujarat are 21 for 0 in reply.
Karun Nair smashes another century
Vidarbha's Karun Nair continued his rich vein of form across formats with a century against Tamil Nadu in Nagpur. It's Nair's sixth century in nine games (including this one), after his five centuries in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy that fetched him an average of 389.50 in the tournament.
On Saturday, he chaperoned Vidarbha after the Tamil Nadu quicks made early inroads. Danish Malewar started the charge with a brisk 75 that put on 98 runs for the fourth wicket with Nair. But once Malewar miscued Vijay Shankar to be dismissed, it was Nair's day all along. He swept the left-arm spinners from around the wicket confidently with hard hands, struck a six down the ground off Sai Kishore, and patiently reached his century just before stumps to place Vidarbha on a decent score of 264 for 6.
Nidheesh's five-for troubles J&K
J&K's progress was the slowest of the day, against Kerala in Pune. The star of the day from Kerala was fast bowler MD Nidheesh, who removed J&K's top order on his own. He swung the ball close to the stumps and persisted with the line outside off that fetched him rewards, even when the ball got older. When Basil Thampi's inswinger removed the experienced captain Paras Dogra, J&K were in trouble at 67 for 4 before they were steadied by the lower order of wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan (48), Sahil Lotra (35) and Lone Nasir (44).
They ended the day on 228 for 8 with Nidheesh's figures reading 5 for 56.
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Another hundred for Karun Nair
22 First-class centuries for Karun Nair
What a purple patch the man is having. On 99, he nudges the ball from Ajith Ram off his pads behind square and ambles across to reach three figures. Takes his helmet off and raises that and his bat to celebrate his 22nd first-class century. If you see his form across formats, given his century streak in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he now has six centuries in nine games (including this one).
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A wicket in Kolkata, Saurashtra bowled out
Saurashtra have been bowled out for 216! They will be disappointed with how they squandered a strong start that was given by Chirag Jani's 69. With Ravi Bishnoi taking the last wicket, Saurashtra are all out with Vasavada unbeaten on 39. Chintan Gaja the top wicket-taker with his figures of 4 for 48, nine maidens out of 21 overs that show how disciplined he was with his line and length that fetched him all his wickets.
Pujara scored only 26 and handed a simple catch to cover, there's no Ravindra Jadeja so that's all for their batting effort for now.
Over in Kolkata, Haryana finally have a breakthrough! It's come after nearly 50 overs and in the form of Shams Mulani for 91. A fellow spinner removes the bowling allrounder, taking a return catch to end this partnership worth 165. Mulani is dejected on missing on a century but he gets plenty of praise and applause from his team-mates and the support staff as he crosses the rope.
Mumbai 278 for 8, the new ball is available, and maybe the'll squeeze in one more over today.
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Wickets everywhere (except Kolkata)
Mumbai lost wickets in such a heap early on that they're not giving anything away now.
But soon after the twin wickets for Gujarat, Vidarbha and J&K have lost their sixth wickets, both to left-arm spinners. Akshay Wadkar edges one ball behind from Ajith Ram for a sharp catch taken by Jagadeesan and J&K's Sahil Lotra goes for a big sweep against Sarvate but loses his stumps.
Vidarbha 231 for 6 and J&K 173 for 6. Mumbai chugging along at 271 for 7, with both Kotian and Mulani in the 80s.
Chintan Gaja gets his fourth
Saurashtra were 127 for 2 at one point and Mumbai were 113 for 7.
And now Saurashtra at 203 for 9 and Mumbai 267 for 7.
Chintan Gaja is the man who hands Saurashtra a double blow, persisting with his line outside off and making Jaydev Unadkat edge behind. And later in the same over he knocks over the stumps of Yuvrajsinh Dodiya for a duck. The ball is old and the scorching sun has started to subside a little. Just one wicket to go now.
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Milestones passed
Mumbai will be pleased with this eighth-wicket century stand between Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian (both on78 right now) and they've taken the team past 250.
Saurashtra will breathe a tiny sigh of relief, having just gone past the 200 mark. Vasavada has the company of captain Jaydev Unadkat.
In Nagpur, Vidarbha have seen the partnership between Karun Nair (84*) and Wadkar go past 50. They are 226 for 5.
Barring in Kolkata (where 71 overs are done) about an hour to go for the bowling teams to go for the second new ball in the other three games. And it's time for some drinks.
First of the last
There comes the first wicket of the last session, in Rajkot. Dharmendrasinh Jadeja pushes at an innocuous delivery outside off from Chintan Gaja and hands the simplest of catches to Aarya Desai at cover. He was looking decent on 22 off 33, scoring most of the runs in the stand of 29 with Arpit Vasavada. A soft dismissal will leave this Jadeja disappointed.
Saurashtra 177 for 7. Captain Unadkat comes out, can they get to 200?
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J&K the last to get there
150 J&K get to the score five down in 62nd over
J&K's progress is the slowest of the day. While Mumbai are 235 for 7 (that match started half hour early), Vidarbha have touched 200 now (five down) and Saurashtra are 174 for 6. No wickets yet in the last session of the day.
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They're at it again
Tea time in three games, play resumes in Kolkata
Since the game had begun early in Kolkata, the Haryana players and the Mumbai batters are back on the field for the third session of the day.
It's now tea in the other three games. Here are the highlights from the session:
- Saurashtra have slipped from 127 for 2 to 148 for 6 against the pace and bounce of the Gujarat quicks. Once the set Chirag Jani fell for 69, they have been edging balls behind regularly to lose grip of the match. They are 151 for 6 at the break
- Vidarbha were riding on the partnership between Danish Malewar and Karun Nair (worth 98) but they lose two wickets in nearly half hour. Malewar miscued a pull on 75 and Yash Rathod was stumped off Mohamed Ali. Vidarbha are 181 for 5
- J&K are also five down, although they were never in a position as good as Saurashtra's or Vidarbha's. They have struggled a little for runs and were led mainly by a solid knock of 48 from No. 5 and their keeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan. The pick of the bowlers for Kerala has been the relentless MD Nidheesh. His consistency and swing outside off have been rewarded with four wickets. J&K are 144 for 5
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Karun Nair goes past 50 again
He is continuing his rich vein of form, getting to a patient half-century against Tamil Nadu. After the wicket of Malewar for 75, Vidarbha could have crumbled, being 167 for 5, but Nair has anchored this innings well. And he celebrates this fifty with a hard-handed sweep against San Kishore for a cracking four.
He had scored a century against Hyderabad in the previous round and four back-to-back hundreds in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy just before that. Can he make another big one today?
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Saurashtra crumble against pace and bounce
It's three wickets in five overs for just nine runs for Saurashtra, and all to pace bowlers. It's not express pace by any means but Chintan Gaja and Jaymeet Patel have been bowling just outside off, and Jaymeet has been banging the ball around short of length area to surprise the batters a little. He made Prerak Mankad and Gajjar Sammar edge behind almost off the shoulder of the bat and Saurashtra are 148 for 6.
More wickets! Three teams are five down
One brings two in Rajkot. In the over after the wicket of Chirag Jani, Jaymeet Patel makes Prerak Mankad edge one behind as well, for a duck. Left-arm around, stifling line outside off, and rewarded with an edge. Saurashtra 140 for 5 now.
Over in Pune, J&K also lose a set batter - Kanhaiya Wadhawan. He was looking solid on 48 but handed a simple catch to cover off Nidheesh, that's the fourth wicket for the fast bowler. J&K are 122 for 5.
In Nagpur, it's the spin of Mohammad Ali that foxes Yash Rathod by drawing him forward, and this time keeper N Jagadesan doesn't make a mistake. Whips the bails off in time before the batter can bring his back foot back in the crease. The third umpire is called and it's an easy decision. Vidarbha are also five down, for 167.
Meanwhile, it's tea in Kolkata
Gaja sets up well-set Jani
From the Saurashtra vs Gujarat clash in Rajkot, it's Chintan Gaja who strikes for his first wicket. He kept bowling straight, on the stump, hardly any movement off the pitch. And then he delivers the big one - just outside off, makes the ball hold its line with a hint of seam movement and Gaja, Chirag Jani edges it behind to fall for 69. The opener had been carrying Saurashtra, and this breakthrough will give Gujarat hope of keeping them to a not-so-bi score.
Lower order rescues Mumbai again
50 The partnership between Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian
Mumbai were 47 for 7 and 101 for 7 against J&K in their second last league game. And today they were 113 for 7, again in danger of being bowled out for a low score. But it's a familiar story for them now that when the top and middle order collapses, the lower order and tail saves them. Shardul Thakur scored a century not so long ago, and now we have a fifty stand between their spin-bowling allrounders Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian. Mumbai 163 for 7.
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Malewar gone for 75, Vidarbha lose fourth
Danish Malewar got a life on 56 not too long ago but he is not able to make the most of it. Against Vijay Shankar's medium pace, he goes for a mighty pull after seeing a short ball, but doesn't middle it at all. A simple catch for M Mohammed at mid-on and Malewar is gone for 75, the partnership with Karun Nair broken at 98 and the score is 142 for 4.
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Saurashtra lose their third
Left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai is the man responsible. First he had dismissed Pujara before lunch and now it's Sheldon Jackson for 14. Desai came from around the wicket, tossed the ball up in front of the stumps and the ball struck the front pad right in front of the stumps for the umpire to raise his finger. Jackson reviewed - since there's DRS in the knockouts - but there was no bat, and ball-tracking projects the ball would have hit leg stumps. Desai first pumps the air after seeing that on the screen and Saurashtra are 127 for 3.
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ICYMI
Two batters dropped on 56
Tamil Nadu quick M Mohammed has been toiling away, now in the sun. He delivers one from wide of the crease, short of length and not far from off stump, and half-centurian Danish Malewar casually hangs his bat outside off to edge it behind where N Jagadeesan puts down the simplest of catches. Malewar was on 56 and Vidarbha would have been 116 for 4 had the catch been taken.
On seeing the replays, it appears that Jagadeesan was stationed almost right behind the ball and would have had to lean to his right and complete the catch with a tumble. But he ended up moving his right foot towards his left, put in a dive, almost wrong-footed, and spilled the chance despite getting both hands to it.
Over in Rajkot for Saurashtra vs Gujarat, a set Chirag Jani cuts the ball square from Nagwaswalla and the ball flies to the close-in fielder (I'm trying to identify him). He tries to hang on to the ball around waist height to his left but can't hold on.
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Thampi lands J&K another blow
Paras Dogra is the most experienced name in the J&K batting line-up, and his vigil of 14 off 50 balls has come to an end in Pune. Basil Thampi bowls an inswinger, pitches on middle and knocks over the stumps after going past Dogra's flick and ricocheting off the pads. Thampi is thrilled and J&K are 67 for 4.
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Oh Lord!
In the second over after lunch, Shardul Thakur hands a return catch to right-arm quick Anuj Thakral and he walks back shaking his head from side to side after a soft dismissal. Mumbai are 113 for 7. Here's more from Sreshth Shah at the Garden of Eden:
"In Kolkata, a smoggy and hazy morning along with some early lateral movement off the pitch that troubled Mumbai's top order has now given way to perfect conditions for batting. Cool conditions, bright and clear visually, and a ball that's now 30 overs old. Even though there are some cracks on the pitch, spin has not been used yet."
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Lunch on day 1 of the knockouts
The Haryana vs Mumbai game in Kolkata saw lunch being taken at 11.30am because it had an early start at 9am, and now it's now time for lunch in the remaining games. Here are the highlights from the other three:
- Saurashtra are 115 for 2, with Chirag Jani scoring the first half-century of the knockouts this season. His drives and back-foot punches have been the highlights of the session, with Nagwaswalla breaking the opening stand and Siddharth Desai removing Pujara for 26
- Vidarbha are 99 for 3 in Nagpur, led by an unbeaten 48 from Danish Malewar who struck boundaries all around the wicket. The Tamil Nadu quicks had Vidarbha in trouble at 44 for 3, but Malewar and Karun Nair have steered them towards safety
- J&K have crawled along to 66 for 3 against Kerala in Pune. MD Nidheesh has been the pick of the bowlers for them with morning figures of 11-3-21-3. His relentless bowling around off stump fetched him rewards to put J&K in trouble, although they have their experienced captain Paras Dogra out in the middle
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Tamil Nadu's milestone man
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Rahane gone in Kolkata, Pujara follows in Rajkot
Pujara had edged a few deliveries behind that went through the slip cordon, past gully, and he was beaten plenty of times by Nagwaswalla. But it's a soft dismissal that sends him back, eventually. He comes down the pitch against left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai and chips a straightforward catch to cover. Pujara turns around dejected and walks back for 26 off 38. Saurashtra 95 for 2.
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Lunch in Kolkata: Mumbai 101 for 6
Mumbai would have wanted to put their memories of 47 for 7 and 101 for 7 against J&K behind them quickly, but their decision to bat at Eden Gardens has backfired and raised question marks over their star-studded batting again. The Haryana quicks Anshul Kamboj and Sumit Kumar have used the conditions and bowled beautifully by targeting the stumps and then just outside off as the ball got older. They knocked over the stumps for the first four dismissals - Ayush Mhatre, Siddhesh Lad, Akash Anand and Suryakumar Yadav - and then made Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane edge behind to leave them six down.
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Rahane also gone before lunch!
Anshul Kamboj returns for another spell before lunch while the ball is still a bit new and he gets his third wicket, this one of the Mumbai captain. Rahane had been looking good and steady, driving the full balls straight past the bowlers with the straightest of bats you will see today. But Kamboj stifles him with a delivery just outside off, which Rahane pokes for and edges behind for the a regulation catch for the keeper. Rahane's vigil ends at 31, Shardul Thakur joins Shams Mulani. Mumbai 94 for 6
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It's Nagwaswalla vs Pujara
The left-arm quick Arzan Nagwaswalla is bowling his eighth over of the morning and he's troubling Cheteshwar Pujara. He has beaten Pujara at least five times now, using the angle from over the wicket, some swing and accurate bowling around and outside off stump. Pujara has been defending, trying to defend, fishing outside off, and getting beaten more often than not. Nagwaswalla also banged a bouncer amid all that which Pujara ducked under. At the end of his eighth over, he strays with his lines - both outside off and on the pads - and gets punished for two consecutive fours. Pujara is 20 off 17 now, Saurashtra 73 for 1.
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J&K lose their second
The Kerala quicks have been relentless this morning in Pune and their hardwork has been rewarded! Nidheesh brings the second breakthrough as well, swinging one away and drawing an edge from Vivrant Sharma, who tickles one behind to the keeper. Out comes the prolific captain Paras Dogra. J&K 41 for 2.
Wickets, wickets, wickets! Pujara comes out
Soon after Dube's dismissal in Kolkata, there are wickets in two more games! Vijay Shankar gets a breakthrough for Tamil Nadu - he goes low in his follow through after Dhruv Shorey punches the ball back and Vijay completes a sharp catch to make it the third Vidarbha wicket. Karun Nair is the new batter, Vidarbha are 44 for 3.
Saurashtra, on the other hand, have their opening stand broken by Gujarat. Left-arm quick Nagwaswalla bowls one just outside off and Harvik Desai tickles one behind to the keeper. Pujara comes out in Rajkot and starts with a couple of boundaries in the same over before the drinks are brought on. Saurashtra 53 for 1.
ICYMI:
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Mumbai five down before lunch, Dube also gone
Fifth wicket for Haryana and it's the dangerous one of Shivam Dube. Unlike the first four batters, who were all bowled, Dube drives at a delivery well outside off with hard hands and ends up edging it behind to gully. He's livid about it and smacks his bat on his pad in frustration while Haryana celebrate around him. Dube gone for 28 off 32, Mumbai 65 for 5 in just over 90 minutes.
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Ash Anna's praise for Harsh Dubey
More wickets, but not in Kolkata
Not long after J&K opener Khajuria falls to Nidheesh, Basil Thampi steams in from around the wicket and bowls a tight line, he thinks he has drawn the edge of left-hand batter Vivrant Sharma and they all go up in an appeal before taking a review as well. But UltraEdge shows there's no spike, no feather, nothing at all. J&K finish the over on 29 for 1.
Over in Nagpur, Thakare goes for a loose pull against Sonu Yadav's short ball and he hands the simplest of catches to Sai Kishore. Vidarbha are 25 for 2.
Kolkata was where the fall of wickets had started but for now Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane have stalled the collapse. Dube has even struck the first six of the day, smoking a straight delivery from middle stump over the long-on fence. Mumbai are four down and have crossed 50.
Stumps shattered again, Dube comes out
Suryakumar is the latest to fall and it's the fourth Mumbai batter to be bowled this morning! What a show of fast bowling from Haryana. The last wicket was the most spectacular of the lot, Sumit Kumar had been bowling outswingers earlier and he brings one into SKY and his open stance doesn't work this morning, he's beaten on the inside edge and his stumps are shattered.
Mumbai 25 for 4, Shivam Dube joins his captain Rahane, and Dube starts with a cracking cover drive for four!
Update: There's a wicket in Nagpur as well, Atharva Taide slices a ball from M Mohammed outside off to backward point and he's disappointed with himself for falling without scoring. Vidarbha 4 for 1 vs TN.
In Rajkot, Saurashtra have had a steady start with their openers going well so far. Cheteshwar Pujara is watching from the dressing room, padded up. Saurashtra have had quite a journey to make it to the knockouts, read all about it here. Harvik Deasi gets some width from Nagwaswalla and he cracks two fours on the off side to make it 10 runs from the over. Saurashtra 26 for 0
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Mumbai three down, SKY joins Rahane
And Mumbai lose two more wickets while the engine is still starting in the other three games! They have been susceptible to collapses this season and now they are 14 for 3 in almost the first half hour!
Haryana quick Sumit Kumar landed the second blow by removing Akash Anand and then Anshul Kamboj brought one into Siddhesh Lad on the first ball of the next over to hit top of off with a beauty!
Suryakumar is batting with a very unusual open stance, with his front foot towards the leg side and back foot wide of leg stump. And a fair bit of trigger movement. Rahane on the other end hasn't faced a ball yet.
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From the other games...
The coin has been flipped in Nagpur where Vidarbha have opted to bat as well, against Tamil Nadu. Vidarbha have in their ranks a 22-year-old Harsh Dubey, the highest wicket-taker of the season so far. Shashank Kishore tracks the journey of the left-arm spin bowling allrounder and how he has topped the charts with the help of R Ashwin.
Atharva Taide and Dhruv Shorey open for Vidarbha against TN whereas Hardik Desai is taking strike against Chintan Gaja in Rajkot.
In Rajkot, Gujarat have won the toss and opted to bowl against Saurashtra.
Over in Pune, Kerala have opted to bowl against J&K.
Kamboj snares Ayush Mhatre for a duck first ball
It's that man who had taken a 10-for earlier in the season. Anshul Kamboj starts with his medium pace by targeting the off stump and with a bit of inswing he knocks over Ayush Mhatre's middle stump on the first ball of the game! What a start for Haryana. At No. 3 is Siddhesh Lad. Kamboj's opening partner Sumit Kumar is dishing out some delicious outswingers but he as been taken for two fours on the off side by Mumbai's opener-keeper Akash Anand.
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Let's get the knockouts started - Mumbai bat against Haryana
Hello everyone! Split into two seasons, played all over the country, and seven rounds later it's time for the quarter-finals of this Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season.
Here's how the knockouts are lined up:
Haryana vs Mumbai - Kolkata
Jammu & Kashmir vs Kerala - Pune
Vidarbha vs Tamil Nadu - Nagpur
Saurashtra vs Gujarat - Rajkot
Haryana vs Mumbai - Kolkata
Jammu & Kashmir vs Kerala - Pune
Vidarbha vs Tamil Nadu - Nagpur
Saurashtra vs Gujarat - Rajkot
Three of the four games will start at the usual time of 9.30am, and the one being played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata - Mumbai vs Haryana - starts at 9am because it's being played in the far east so the sun will set soon there. Mumbai have won the toss and Ajinkya Rahane has opted to bat. He says the wicket looks a bit dry, although the pitch has a tinge of green. They're coming on the back of a massive win in the last round where they had demolished Meghalaya.
Haryana captain Ankit Kumar says it's a fresh wicket so their quicks will look to make the most of it. He's very optimistic about his batters too, who have racked up 400-plus scores in the league stage.
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