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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:
Is this the first time that a number 10 and 11 batter have made 100 ‘s in an innings?
Tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian have just cracked 100s for Mumbai in the Ranji Quarters against Baroda. #mumbaivsbaroda #ranjitropby
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 27, 2024
Perfect Replacement if Conway doesn’t gets back to fitness for CSK 😂 Tushar and Ruturaj 🫡 #IPL2024 #RanjiTrophy https://t.co/qBpaTu7r1L
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) February 27, 2024
Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande script history for Mumbai, becoming only the 2nd No. 10 and No. 11 pair in First-Class cricket to record centuries in the same innings. The only other pair to achieve the feat was Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee (v Surrey, 1946)! #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/NhqGQrPU0V
— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) February 27, 2024
No.10 and No.11 scored a century for the first time in 78 years in First Class cricket history…!!! 🤯
– Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande are part of the history. pic.twitter.com/UrT5jB3Z1b
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 27, 2024
This is first time in Ranji trophy history number 10 and 11 both scored century.
Most important thing, they both played similar number of balls and scored similar number of Fours.
Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande registered their name in history book. #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/bQ5Oqg4BVB— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) February 27, 2024
Mumbai's No 10 Tanush Kotian (right) and No 11 Tushar Deshpande after both hit centuries -the first time it has happened in Ranji 🏆 They shared a 232-run stand for the 10th wicket vs Baroda on 5th and final day, missing out on the Ranji record by 2 runs #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/Kze1wU8omu
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) February 27, 2024
Congrats to Mumbai last wicket pair of Tushar Kotian and Tushar Deshpande, only 2nd No. 10, 11 to both score 100s in FC history. 1st was Chandu Sarwate, Shute Bannerjee v Surrey on 1946 tour pic.twitter.com/Mu0kxMsNJm
— Gulu Ezekiel (@gulu1959) February 27, 2024
Rare occurrence after 78 years! 🙌🏏
Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande made history in First Class cricket,
scoring centuries for No.10 and No.11 for the first time in 78 years! 🏏🔥 #CricketHistory #TanushKotian #TusharDeshpande @BCCI #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/1JgBJIVSGb— VARUN BHASIN 🇮🇳 (@varunbhasinji) February 27, 2024
Mumbai's No.10 & 11 – Tanush Kotian & Tushar Deshpande have both hit tons v Baroda in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal.
The only other instance I can recall where No.10 & 11 hit tons in FC cricket – Chandu Sarwate & Shute Banerjee for India v Surrey at The Oval in 1946
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) February 27, 2024
The last wicket Partnership is 232 runs for the Mumbai team in the Ranji QF match against Baroda.
Tanush Kotian (120*) and Tushar Deshpande (123).
— Farrago Abdullah Parody (@abdullah_0mar) February 27, 2024
Fantastic from Tanush Kotian and Tushar..the last wicket batting for so long is so rare
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) February 27, 2024
Hundreds from No.10 (Tanush Kotian) and No.11 (Tushar Deshpande) from Mumbai!!
Has this happened before in FC cricket?
— Ajinkya Dhamdhere (@ajinkyasd) February 27, 2024
