That only 70 minutes of play was possible on the final day was a blessing without any disguise, because once Mumbai had opened up a 213-run first-innings lead on the third afternoon, their Ranji Trophy semi-final against Uttar Pradesh had ceased to be a contest.

Delayed start

Friday night’s humongous downpour which left Bangalore waterlogged didn’t spare the Just Cricket Academy Ground either. One prominent damp patch in the infield delayed the start of play on Saturday by four hours. It wasn’t until 1:15 pm that the first ball was bowled, and when Mumbai declared a little past 2:25 pm at 533 for four, less than half an hour before tea, the teams shook hands to formalise another entry into the final of the 41-time champions.