Sachin’s unbeaten 79 in last Ranji match drives Mumbai’s win

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Lahli, October 30, 2013(NDTV): Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell game in domestic cricket ended in a manner befitting his iconic stature, as the retiring legend single-handedly guided Mumbai to a four-wicket win over Haryana in the Ranji Trophy, here on Wednesday.

Requiring 39 more runs to win with four wickets in hand on the fourth and final day, Tendulkar went on to make a calculated 175-ball unbeaten 79, building his innings in the manner that has been the hallmark of his career.

His stay in the middle also ensured Tendulkar warmed up for next month’s Test series against the West Indies, which will culminate with his landmark 200th Test in Mumbai, where he will bring the curtain down on his glorious 24-year international career.

After a series of shifts in momentum over the past three days, it was Mumbai who came out on top, thanks largely to the relentless perseverance showed by Tendulkar.

Starting the day at 201 for six, Tendulkar, overnight on 55, guided Dhawal Kulkarni (16 not out) to the last run that came when Kulkarni hit pacer Mohit Sharma for a boundary, much to the delight of his Mumbai teammates.

The hordes of home spectators who had trooped into the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium, didn’t mind the loss for their side as it was Tendulkar who was at the forefront of this successful chase.

The standing ovation as he walked out to bat was followed by another round of guard of honour, with some of the Haryana players even saluting the champion batsman while he walked on to bat for one last time in domestic cricket.

Just one of Sachin’s six boundaries came on the final day of the match. As Harshal Patel ran in, Tendulkar positioned himself perfectly before punching the fast bowler through backward point.

The innings was in stark contrast to the one he played against the same side some 22 years ago, in the final of the Ranji Trophy at the Wankhede Stadium where he smashed Kapil Dev and Co. to all corners of the ground.