Ranji Trophy Highlights: Kerala hang on for incredible draw vs Madhya Pradesh
Ranji Trophy Highlights: A dramatic conclusion to the final day of action in the sixth round of Ranji Trophy matches this season, as Kerala managed to bat through the entirety of the day, surviving against Madhya Pradesh despite being five wickets down before lunch. Elsewhere, Vidarbha came from behind to beat Rajasthan, while Tamil Nadu beat Chandigarh despite a fighting Manan Vohra century. Hyderabad demolished Himachal to make group B the one to watch in the final round, while Maharashtra put Baroda to the sword in a fine performance....Read More
The round 6 of Ranji matches moves to Day 4 as plenty of action remains in the premier domestic red-ball tournament. The excitement will be all around the corner when Maharashtra tries to pin Baroda down, as they have already claimed a massive 616-run lead at the stumps on Day 3; Kerala also has a tricky task ahead of themselves as they still need 335 runs to win with nine wickets left against a disciplined Madhya Pradesh bowling attack.
Uttar Pradesh will also try to enforce a big win over Bihar as the latter are already trailing behind 225 runs with five wickets left in their kitty. UP declared their second innings at 603 for 2 in 121.3 overs and then reduced Bihar to 130 for 5 at stumps on Day 3.
Meanwhile, Mumbai suffered a shocking five-wicket defeat at home against Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday. This marked J-K's second victory over 42-time champions, after almost a decade as the last time they triumphed over Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Despite fielding a star-studded lineup featuring six capped Indian players, Mumbai failed to deliver, with the exception of an inspired performance by Shardul Thakur. Mumbai's seasoned batters, including Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Ajinkya Rahane, struggled to make an impact. Rohit, returning to the domestic circuit, managed a brisk 28 off 35 balls in the second innings, featuring two fours and three sixes.
In the other game, Indian Test opener Shubman Gill scored a valiant century for Punjab against Karnataka but could not prevent his side from suffering a crushing defeat. Punjab were bowled out for a paltry 55 in their first innings. Karnataka, who amassed a mammoth 420-runs in their first innings bowled Punjab out for 213 runs in their second innings. Despite Gill's fighting century, Punjab lost by an innings and 207 runs.
Only two star players from the Indian Test squad—Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja —managed to leave a lasting impact with their performances. Shubman, who bats at number 3 for India in Tests, returned to the opening slot for Punjab in the Ranji match. He overcame the ghost of first innings and bounced back in the second innings against Punjab to put up a fightback but other batters' didn't provide him enough support to avoid a defeat. Earlier, Jadeja did showcase his class with the ball and claimed 12 wickets for Saurashtra to help them outclass Delhi. He finished with the figures of 5/66 in the first innings and 7/38 in the second innings. In the same match, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant failed to fire for Delhi on Ranji's return, managing scores of 1 and 17 in both innings.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: KERALA SEE IT THROUGH! MP eliminated at the end of a phenomenal game in Trivandrum
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Kerala survive! A hobbled Baba Aparijith the hero, coming out to bat despite a strained calf and playing 70 deliveries and remaining unbeaten.
Three points for Kerala, who go back into second place in the group ahead of Karnataka. End of the journey for MP, whose run of a championship and two semifinals comes to a close in dramatic fashion.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Rock-solid from number 10 Nidheesh. Kerala nearly there
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Time running out for MP, one over minimum left. Remains to be seen if play is extended beyond that.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: 5 overs left
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Time running out for Madhya Pradesh. Can Kerala hang on to rescue this game and knock their opponents out?
Ranji Trophy Live Score: 8 overs left for 2 wickets for MP, pacers back on
Ranji Trophy Live Score: The clock is ticking. Kuldeep Sen has been the strike man for MP, and he's back on for the closing spell. Can he make a difference?
Ranji Trophy Live Score: SARWATE OUT! OPENING FOR MADHYA PRADESH!
Ranji Trophy Live Score: HUGE WICKET! Set batter Sarwate, batting in his 80s, is dislodged as Kumar Kartikeya gets one to bounce up at him. Catches his glove, loops to slip. 2 wickets away!
Ranji Trophy Live Score: 15 overs left, MP still hunting
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Seamers shifted out for spinners once again, but MP needing to be patient. Baba Aparijith's calf issue means Kerala's run-scoring has cooled down just a touch. Just three balls of the remaining 90, is what MP will be telling themselves.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: MP bleeding runs with the new ball
Ranji Trophy Live Score: There won't be too much concern regarding this total being hauled down with the batting dwindling, but MP's ultra-aggression in pursuit of wickets giving Kerala a chance.
A draw is the same as a loss for MP, so the tactic is justifiable. But they will want to keep the pressure on and not let Kerala score at will.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: BREAKTHROUGH! Kuldeep Sen skids on through with the new ball
Ranji Trophy Live Score: There's the wicket that MP were desperate for! The new ball is taken, and Kuldeep Sen continues to have an impact. His third wicket of the day as he gets one to crash through Azharuddeen's defence and knock over the stumps.
Big boost for Madhya Pradesh!
Ranji Trophy Live Score: MP going slightly flat, waiting out for the new ball
Ranji Trophy Live Score: With 78 overs through, MP looking slightly out of gas. They still need 4 wickets but Kerala are motoring on. New ball due in 2 overs, and that could make things interesting.
Crucially for MP, Avesh Khan is missing from the field due to injury. That could be a key difference-maker as the match approaches its conclusion.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Draws called in Services vs Tripura, Railways vs Assam, Andhra vs Pondicherry
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Most games coming to a close country-wide now. Services, Railways, and Andhra get the bonus points for first innings leads, but that's what they have to settle for.
Only one Elite division game active now: Kerala vs Madhya Pradesh, going down to the wire.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Vidarbha end Rajasthan resistance to win by 222 runs, tea called in Trivandrum
Ranji Trophy Live Score: And Vidarbha have pulled it off! Despite being in trouble, they dominated the last two days to wipe away Rajasthan's narrow advantage.
In Kerala vs MP, the session belonged entirely to Kerala as they lost only one wicket. They will need to go near run-a-ball if they want to win at home, but MP will still be nervous as they hunt a win that will keep them in this year's competition.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Sarvate takes the attack to MP, concern for Chandrakant Pandit's team
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Sarvate turning it on, hitting two big sixes to bring up his half-century in no time. 180 runs needed now for Kerala and the pitch looking relatively docile. A change needed, with the momentum rapidly going against MP now.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Kerala need less than 200 runs, game on in Trivandrum?
Ranji Trophy Live Score: This partnership between Azharuddeen and Sarwate also slowly frustrating MP now. A lot of work to do, but there will be some concern with less than 200 runs needed and four wickets still in hand.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Rajasthan down to last two wickets
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Clinical bowling performance from Vidarbha. On the edge of winning and confirming top spot in their group.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Azharuddeen reaches 50, looks to be Kerala's hero
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Wicketkeeper-bat Azharuddeen has looked solid and positive in his batting on day four, and reached a well-deserved 50 against a good bowling attack.
With Baba Aparajith injured, Kerala don't have too much to play with. This is likely their last batting partnership.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Rajasthan in trouble vs Vidarbha, 4 wickets down
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Disappointing performance by Rajasthan, who were in total control of the match and let it slip against Vidarbha. With captain and star batter Mahipal Lomror dismissed, Rajasthan now down 6 wickets and still needing 250+ runs. Just a fight to last the day now.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Madhya Pradesh finally get their wicket, break 74-run stand
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Crucial wicket for Madhya Pradesh! Saransh gets the better of Jalaj Saxena, and a hugely important wicket as Kerala go six down.
A deep batting order for Kerala, but can they last another three hours against MP?
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Maharashtra beat Baroda by 439 runs, Jharkhand complete chase to win by 8 wickets
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Results rolling in thick and fast post-lunch. Maharashtra wrap up formalities for a crushing victory over Baroda, providing Mumbai a chance to qualify in Group A.
Meanwhile, Jharkhand ease past the total against Chhattisgarh. They give themselves a chance in their next match against Chandigarh as well.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Hyderabad win by innings and 43 runs, now Maharashtra one wicket away
Ranji Trophy Live Score: And that is that in the Hyderabad vs Himachal game. Hyderabad no longer in the running for qualification, but what they have done is make next round's Himachal vs Gujarat contest a virtual playoff ahead of the quarterfinals. Himachal won't be too happy with this result.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Hyderabad one wicket away, Kerala duo frustrate MP with 50-run partnership
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Hyderabad now one Himachal wicket away from getting a hugely consequential win.
MP, meanwhile, struggling to dislodge Saxena or Azharuddeen. Change needed for them as Kerala cross the 100 mark.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Wickets immediately post-lunch for Vidarbha and Maharashtra
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Maharashtra also within touching distance now as Baroda go 7 down soon after resumption of play. Meanwhile, Rajasthan's hopes of finding a win take a knock with a second wicket lost. Might be more about survival for them now vs Vidarbha.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Jharkhand inch closer, just over 50 runs from victory
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Stable and safe chasing innings from Jharkhand. They will miss out on the bonus point after losing a wicket, but will be very happy with the 6 after a clinical performance vs Chhattisgarh.
Strong session for MP, Hyderabad on verge of win Lunch called, and matches finely poised
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Hyderabad now three wickets away, Maharashtra four, while Jalaj Saxena and Azharuddeen frustrate MP slightly.
Elsewhere, Jharkhand well on their way in the chase, while Rajasthan have 9 wickets in hand but still have 280 runs to try and chase down.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Baroda, Himachal, and Kerala all five wickets down
Ranji Trophy Live Score: The three bowling teams who were in the hunt for day four wickets have started excellently in the morning session. MP, Hyderabad, and Maharashtra have knocked back the batting teams with early wickets, but will want to hammer home their advantage now.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Jharkhand chasing 105 vs Chhattisgarh
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Elsewhere, a relatively routine chase set up for Jharkhand, as they look to haul down 105. The winner of this match could give themselves an outside chance of qualification, although it would be a big ask in Group D.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Himachal batting aggressively, looking to overhaul deficit vs Hyderabad
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Looks like Himachal doesn't want to try and see out the day's play, but would like to add some security by removing their trail behind Hyderabad.
Although they are three wickets down, 123 runs in just 24 overs means they are now only 167 runs behind Hyderabad. They will need to be careful and find a balance, though.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Rajasthan set 329-run target vs Vidarbha
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Vidarbha call their declaration, and it's a tall task for Rajasthan, who would have thought they could have been gunning for a potential win before a rearguard effort.
Nonetheless, if Rajasthan are positive, all three results could be feasible in Jaipur.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Quick but risky start for Baroda, 4 wickets down
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Maharashtra's delayed declaration looking like a good decision at the moment. Baroda scoring at a solid rate, but find themselves at 76/4 in 16 overs. A big result could be on its way in Group A.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Chandigarh captain Manan Vohra brings up century, but Tamil Nadu seal 209-run win
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Chandigarsh struggled in the fourth innings, but captain Manan Vohra batted with character and resolve to bring up his 11th first class century. Vohra was at the crease since ball one.
However, Chandigarh's number 11 Saini is bowled the very next ball after his skipper reaches the century, and that confirms the win for Tamil Nadu.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Vidarbha score rapidly to extend lead past 300, Kerala now 4 down
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Great third innings batting performance from Vidarbha, succeeding to nearly bat Rajasthan out of the game. Captain Wadkar with a crucial century.
Meanwhile, Kerala in a world of trouble at 37/4. Madhya Pradesh's game to lose now.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Tamil Nadu one wicket away, making quick work
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Tamil Nadu's bowlers want an early day off, and it's just a matter of time now. Chandigarh down to their last wicket.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Third wicket for MP, and Tamil Nadu keep plugging away
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Aryan Pandey provides another breakthrough for MP, and Kerala will now be feeling the pressure. Ball showing variable bounce in Trivandrum.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu with two early Chandigarh wickets as well. They are now just three wickets from victory.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Breakthrough for MP! Kuldeep Sen strikes
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Big wicket for Madhya Pradesh! Some variable bounce, and Roger can't get out of the way of one dug in short. Sen brushes his glove, and the keeper completes a catch.
Kerala now 33/2, partnership needed here with experienced captain Sachin Baby arriving at the crease.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Maharashtra do declare overnight
Ranji Trophy Live Score: The declaration has ultimately been called by Maharashtra against Baroda. So the case for them as well: entirety of day four to try and get 10 opposition wickets. Can Baroda hold out in what has been good batting conditions so far?
Ranji Trophy Live Score: 9:30 and play underway on crucial final day
Ranji Trophy Live Score: And play begins across the country. All to fight for, and the group tables could have very different looks by the end of the games today.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Maharashtra still don't declare despite 600+ run lead
Ranji Trophy Live Score: One of the interesting developments on day three was Maharashtra not declaring despite opening up a massive lead over Baroda, who were the leaders ahead of round six in Group A.
It remains uncertain whether Maharashtra want to go for the win or are happy to see out a draw, having batted through the entirety of the third day.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Further matches to keep tabs on
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Rajasthan are not too far behind Vidarbha, but every Vidarbha run today getting them closer to 300 will hurt Rajasthan doubly hard.
Hyderabad will also have the duration of the day to take 10 Himachal wickets to shake up Group B.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Matches to keep an eye on
Ranji Trophy Live Score: While most matches seem to be waiting for an inevitable result, or dwindling towards a draw, there are a couple which hang in the balance heading into the final day.
Madhya Pradesh need a win against Kerala, and have the duration of the day for 9 wickets, while Kerala would need to complete a team-record 363-run chase.
Tamil Nadu look favourites to take the last 5 Chandigarh wickets.
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Hello and welcome
Ranji Trophy Live Score: Hello and welcome to our live blog for Ranji Trophy Day 4 of round 6 matches.