Mumbai and Saurashtra have punched their tickets to the Ranji Trophy semi-finals after captivating quarter-final clashes concluded today. Cricket fans across the nation were glued to their screens as both matches went down to the wire, showcasing the intense competition and raw talent that defines India's premier domestic cricket tournament. Mumbai overcame a spirited Vidarbha challenge, while Saurashtra dominated Andhra to secure their spot.
Mumbai vs. Vidarbha: A Nail-Biting Finish
The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a classic as Mumbai edged out Vidarbha by a slender 37 runs. After setting a target of 312, Mumbai's bowlers held their nerve in the face of a fierce Vidarbha counter-attack. Vidarbha's captain, Faiz Fazal, led from the front with a magnificent 127 (strike rate of 78.3), but his efforts weren't enough to overhaul the target. Shams Mulani was the pick of the Mumbai bowlers, bagging 5 wickets for 74 runs. Earlier in the match, Hardik Tamore's crucial knock of 85 in Mumbai's second innings proved to be the difference. Reportersays, the match swung like a pendulum, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 320 | 245 |
| Vidarbha | 254 | 274 |
"We knew it wouldn't be easy," said Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane after the match. "Vidarbha is a quality side, and they fought till the very end. But our bowlers showed great character to close out the game."
Saurashtra's Dominance Over Andhra
Saurashtra, playing at home in Rajkot, delivered a commanding performance against Andhra, securing a comprehensive 8-wicket victory. Sheldon Jackson's unbeaten 115 (strike rate of 69.6) in the second innings anchored Saurashtra's chase of 203. Earlier, Chirag Jani's all-round performance, with a crucial 68 in the first innings and 3 wickets with the ball, set the tone for Saurashtra's dominance. Andhra struggled to build partnerships throughout the match, ultimately falling short against a well-rounded Saurashtra team. Saurashtra's spin duo of Dharmendrasinh Jadeja and Parth Bhut effectively choked Andhra's scoring opportunities.| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra | 211 | 185 |
| Saurashtra | 194 | 203/2 |
Speaking to News Reporter Live, Saurashtra coach Niraj Odedra praised his team's performance. "The boys were brilliant today. They executed the plans perfectly and showed great composure under pressure. Sheldon's innings was outstanding.”
Semi-Final Showdowns Await
With Mumbai and Saurashtra sealing their places, the stage is now set for thrilling semi-final encounters. Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are the other two teams that have qualified for the semi-finals. The semi-final matches are scheduled to begin on March 29th, 2026. The schedule is as follows:- Mumbai vs. Madhya Pradesh
- Saurashtra vs. Karnataka
As of today, March 26, anticipation is building for what promises to be a captivating end to this year's Ranji Trophy, a tournament that continues to unearth future stars of Indian cricket. Make sure to follow Live Cricket Scores & Commentary to catch all the action.
Explore More on News Reporter Live
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the Mumbai vs. Vidarbha match?
Mumbai won the match against Vidarbha by 37 runs. Mumbai set a target of 312, and Vidarbha fell short, scoring 274 in their second innings.
Who scored the most runs in the Saurashtra vs. Andhra match?
Sheldon Jackson of Saurashtra scored the most runs in the match, with an unbeaten 115 in the second innings. His century guided Saurashtra to an 8-wicket victory.
When are the Ranji Trophy semi-finals?
The Ranji Trophy semi-finals are scheduled to begin on March 29th, 2026. The matches will feature Mumbai vs. Madhya Pradesh and Saurashtra vs. Karnataka.