IT WAS already written on the wall after fourth day’s play. But a determined Vidarbha believed in the abilities of their captain Akshay Wadkar. A glimmer of hope rekindled until captain Wadkar was there in the middle along with young Harsh Dubey. The former two-time champions Vidarbha even frustrated mighty and now 42-time title holders Mumbai for two and a half hour on the last day of Ranji final. But after giving a tough fight, Vidarbha lost the battle and finished second best in the country. Mumbai registered a 169-run win over Vidarbha at the iconic Wankhede Stadium which ended their eight-year barren run to lift the Ranji title. Vidarbha captain Wadkar (102) and the unheralded Dubey (65) kept hosts Mumbai at bay for the entire first session on the last day after Vidarbha resumed on 248 for five, needing another 290 runs to win.

 

But Wadkar’s wicket post lunch session ignited the fall and Vidarbha were eventually bowled out for 368, losing the match by 169 runs. Wadkar led from the front and fought for Vidarbha scoring season’s first century which also helped him cross the 600-run mark. With Dubey, they forged the longest stand of the innings, consuming 255 balls in 194 minutes from Day Four. With 185 runs still needed, Wadkar was trapped in front to Tanush Kotian, signalling the end of the pair’s dogged resistance. Wadkar did take the review but that too could not save him as the ball tracking showed hitting the stumps. Dubey followed his captain and the end came soon after as Vidarbha’s lower order caved and they were all out for 368.

 

In the end it was a challenge which Vidarbha posed to Mumbai at their home. Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane lauded Vidarbha’s efforts at the post-match presentation. “Before speaking about my team, I want to talk about Vidarbha’s efforts — the way they played, the way they fought. It is not easy when chasing 538, and it is very easy to give up. But they didn’t give up. The way they’ve been playing the last 7-8 years, it’s really good to see them fight back,” Rahane said.