Updated On: 14 March, 2024 06:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
Patient knocks from Karun Nair (74) and skipper Akshay Wadkar (56 not out) take visitors to 248-5 in pursuit of 538 to delay hosts’ 42nd Ranji triumph

Mumbai’s Musheer Khan (second from right) celebrates after dismissing Vidarbha’s Aman Mokhade yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble
Ajinkya Rahane & Co are just five wickets away from their 42nd Ranji Trophy triumph, while Vidarbha need another 290 runs on the fifth and final day on Thursday to clinch what will be their third national championship title. Chasing 538 for victory, Vidarbha were 248-5 at stumps on Day Four at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.
Vidarbha’s opening pair of Atharva Taide (32, 4x4) and Dhruv Shorey (28, 4x4) resumed their innings with the scoreboard reading 10. A stylish off-drive for four off Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande saw Taide bring up Vidarbha’s 50 on the board in the 12th over. However, he departed shortly, trapped leg before by left-arm spinner and birthday boy Shams Mulani (1-56) while attempting a sweep. Tanush Kotian (2-56) then cleaned bowled Shorey with a sharp off-spinning delivery.