• sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 03/03/2024
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In a captivating display of resilience and determination, Shardul Thakur, renowned for his bowling prowess, showcased his batting prowess with a magnificent maiden first-class hundred in the 2024 Ranji Trophy semi-final against Tamil Nadu at the Bandra-Kurla Complex Stadium.

Unusual Career Record

Thakur’s entry into the match was accompanied by an unusual statistic: his Test batting average surpassed his overall first-class average. Despite this anomaly, Thakur proved his mettle with both bat and ball, significantly impacting the game.

Opening the bowling for Mumbai, Thakur wasted no time leaving his mark on the match, dismissing Sai Sudharsan early on. Later, he struck again to remove Vijay Shankar, Tamil Nadu’s top scorer, finishing the innings with figures of 2-48.

As Mumbai faced a precarious situation at 106-7, Thakur teamed up with wicketkeeper Hardik Tamore to orchestrate a remarkable recovery. Their partnership of 105 runs provided Mumbai with much-needed stability, with Thakur leading the charge with aggressive stroke play.

Milestone Achievement

Thakur’s innings reached its pinnacle when he achieved his maiden first-class century, an achievement marked by sheer jubilation and celebration. With a flurry of boundaries and a memorable six, Thakur etched his name in the annals of Ranji Trophy history, showcasing his versatility as an all-rounder.

At the time of writing, Mumbai finds themselves commanding at 302-9, with Thakur’s contribution of 109 runs playing a pivotal role in their lead of 156 runs. As the match progresses, Mumbai will look to capitalize on their advantage, propelled by Thakur’s stellar performance.

Thakur’s remarkable innings not only underscores his brilliance but also epitomizes the spirit of resilience and determination that defines the essence of the Ranji Trophy.