(Cricket News) In the present quarterfinal match between Mumbai and Baroda, the bowling tandem has accomplished something very extraordinary. Bowling spearheads Tushar Deshpande (123) and Tanush Kotian (120*) achieved a remarkable feat in 1946 while playing for India against Surrey.
They became only the second batting pair in first-class cricket history to score a century while batting at positions 10 and 11, with Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee being the first. With this outstanding achievement, the “batters” have made their stamp on the history of the home circuit.
Their centuries played a major role in establishing a massive goal of 606 for the guests. Deputy captain Shams Mulani and the other bowler continued to add fuel to the innings, which gradually turned into a wildfire, as the Baroda bowlers appeared clueless against what was perhaps the weakest batting tandem on paper of the 41-time champion team. Having lost nine wickets with the total at 337.
In addition, the pair combined for 232 runs at the final wicket. Baroda had to wait till the very last day, when they came to bat at the stroke of lunch, instead of batting on Day 4 itself, as they had previously anticipated, when they faced a far smaller goal.
Leading the way, Kotian hit 10 fours and four massive sixes to guide his innings to a century in just 115 deliveries. After 120 runs, the right-handed hitter was still undefeated. Not to be outdone, Deshpande scored 10 fours and eight sixes in his innings of 112 deliveries to attain the coveted milestone.Both players achieved important personal milestones as they secured their first hundreds in the format, helping Mumbai to a dominant lead in the game.
Deshpande also broke previous records throughout his innings, notably the highest score ever by an Indian No. 11 batsman in First-Class cricket. Even though he was eventually removed for 123, the CSK pacer, along with Kotian, was essential to Mumbai’s dominant second-inning total of 569 runs.
For Baroda to prevail and advance to the next round, 606 runs are needed. In all likelihood, the goal is impossible, and their Ranji career will soon come to an end because, in the event of a draw, Mumbai will win the match based on their lead in the first innings. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have already qualified for the tournament’s semi-finals after defeating Saurashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha, respectively.
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