Mumbai seamer Deshpande claims hat-trick in crushing Ranji Trophy dominance
Tushar Deshpande's hat-trick helped dismiss Chandigarh for just 78 runs as Mumbai seized control of their Ranji Trophy opener at Wankhede Stadium.
Mumbai's Tushar Deshpande delivered a devastating performance on day two of the Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh, claiming a hat-trick as the visitors collapsed for just 78 runs at Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
Responding to Mumbai's first innings total of 429, Chandigarh crumbled in just 115 balls. Deshpande's fiery spell of 7-1-17-5 proved decisive, with his sixth over producing the match-defining hat-trick. The seamer dismissed Arjun Azad with a short ball, bowled Shivam Bhambri, and trapped Dipender Kush to complete Mumbai's sixth hat-trick in first-class cricket.
The 31-year-old had earlier contributed 44 runs with the bat, helping Mumbai's lower order add 158 runs for the last three wickets. Tanush Kotian made 58 while Mohit Avasthi remained unbeaten on 56 as the hosts built a commanding total after resuming at 271 for seven.
Chandigarh's 78 all out represents their second-lowest total in first-class cricket. Only Nishunk Birla offered resistance with 33 runs, while Mohit Avasthi chipped in with three wickets. Deshpande struck again in the second innings' only over before stumps, leaving Mumbai needing nine wickets to secure victory.
Source: www.thehindu.com