• Mumbai duo of Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande achieved a memorable feat during Ranji Trophy 2024 clash against Baroda.

  • They became the first No. 10-11 pair in the overall history of the Ranji Trophy to score centuries.

Twitter erupts as Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande make Ranji Trophy history with centuries at No. 10 and No. 11
Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande (Image Source: Twitter)

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In a monumental moment during the Ranji Trophy 2024 quarterfinal clash against Baroda on February 27, the Mumbai duo of Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande etched their names in cricketing history. They became the first No. 10-11 pair in the overall history of the Ranji Trophy to score centuries.

A rare occurrence in First-Class cricket: Last two batters scored hundreds

This remarkable achievement is only the second occurrence in the annals of first-class cricket, with the last two batters in a lineup scoring hundreds. The previous instance dates back to 1946 when Chandu Sarwate (124) and Shute Banerjee (121) accomplished this rare feat for India against Surrey at The Oval.

Heroic contributions from both batters for Mumbai

In a display of extraordinary resilience and skill, No. 10 batter Kotian showcased his prowess by remaining unbeaten with a score of 120. On the other end, Deshpande, batting at No. 11, played a brilliant innings and was the last wicket to fall, amassing 123 runs.

Their remarkable partnership propelled Mumbai’s second innings total from 337/ 9 to a commanding 569 all out. Mumbai’s monumental effort set a daunting target of 606 runs for Baroda which the side failed to conquered on the last day as the match ended on a draw with Baroda score of 121/3.

Dazzling display of batting prowess

Kotian and Deshpande, both prolific with the bat, struck 10 fours each during their innings. Kotian achieved his century first off 115 balls, while Deshpande reached the three-figure mark in 112 deliveries. Both batters faced 129 balls, exhibiting resilience and determination. Notably, Deshpande’s aggressive approach saw him hitting an impressive 8 sixes, overshadowing Kotian’s 4.

Historic partnership comes to an end

The monumental partnership between Kotian and Deshpande met its conclusion when Deshpande, after a magnificent innings, was caught by Lukman Meriwala off the bowling of Ninad Rathwa. This extraordinary 232-run stand between Kotian and Deshpande now stands as the second-highest 10th-wicket partnership in the storied history of the Ranji Trophy.

Also READ: Fans in awe as Sarfaraz Khan’s brother Musheer smashes stellar double century for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2024 Quarterfinals

Falling just short of the record: Mumbai duo’s remarkable stand

Despite their heroics, Kotian and Deshpande fell agonizingly short of equaling the 233-run record set by Ajay Sharma and Maninder Singh. The Delhi duo achieved this historic feat during the 1991-92 Ranji season in a semifinal match against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium. Sharma’s outstanding knock of 259* and Singh’s contribution of 78 propelled Delhi to victory, securing the game through the first-innings lead.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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