SACHIN TENDULKAR TAKES MUMBAI TO A THRILLING WIN OVER HARYANA

Sachin Tendulkar calmly guided Mumbai to a thrilling four-wicket win over Haryana on the fourth day of their Ranji Trophy match at Lahli. Resuming the day on 201 for 6, Mumbai needed a further 39 runs to win. The new ball was also due on a pitch that had assisted the medium-pacers throughout. Sachin was simply superb.

But Tendulkar (79) and Dhawal Kulkarni (16) kept their heads and their wickets to take Mumbai to a famous win. Haryana’s bowlers just weren’t able to get their lines right. “It was a challenging wicket, bowlers had a lot of help. It was a good challenge. A bit on the slower side,” said Sachin after the match.
“Haryana side played very good cricket, good challenge, good practice. This is just the kind of outing I was looking for.” “I share whatever I see from the non-stiker’s end,” said Sachin about playing mentor. “But more than the chat, it was about trying to stay relaxed.” “The series against West Indies will be a good one. My last two Tests and I am looking forward to them,” Sachin further added. The Mumbai batsmen avoided taking any risk and were prepared to wait for the bad balls.

While Sachin deserves a lot of credit, Kulkarni’s efforts must not be forgotten. On a tough pitch, he stoutly defending and even got hit on the helmet once. Kulkarni hit the winning runs — a straight drive for four and punched the air with delight

. But Sachin was just as happy and raised his arms in the air in delight. Sachin’s Mumbai team-mates carried him off the ground on their shoulders. On Day two, Haryana, who started day three at 224 for nine, could only add 17 runs to their second innings score, setting the mighty Mumbai a tough target. Zaheer Khan and Vishal Dabholkar bagged four wickets each for the visitors. Mumbai were off to a bad start in their chase, losing Wasim Jaffer in the second over.

Kaustubh Pawar (40) and Ajinkya Rahane (40) steadied the ship before Tendulkar took over the task. This may or may not be Sachin’s last Ranji Trophy match. According to reports, the MCA has requested Sachin to play out the season — other greats like Ricky Ponting have also done the same. Tendulkar has apparently told the MCA that he will decide after the 200th Test.

Mumbai coach Sulakshan Kulkarni had also told the Hindustan Times before the start of the match that Sachin has not yet taken a final decision of whether it will be his last first-class match. “Who said it is his last Ranji game… one does not know. But he is playing the