Chennai: With the qualification worries off, the top two sides in Group ‘C’, Andhra and Mumbai, head into the final game to fight for the top spot in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday.
With Andhra unbeaten after five games so far to Mumbai’s four, the latter has a chance to finish level with 20 points. Then, net run-rate will decide the topper.
After a sedate season considering Mumbai’s high standards, the domestic giant will hope to finish the league stages on a high. It has not won the tournament in more than a decade and a victory could help keep the momentum.
Wednesday’s match will be played at the Murugappa cricket ground, where Mumbai lost to Rajasthan while Andhra had outclassed both Tamil Nadu and Gujarat in its last two games.
The tournament has finally validated what has been a strong season for Andhra, but with very little to show for.
The two teams were drawn in the same group in the Ranji Trophy in which Mumbai came out on top after taking the first-innings lead. It was the only game in which Andhra lost the lead but fewer outright victories compared to Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh meant it did not qualify.
In the South Zone inter-state T20, Andhra finished tied on 16 points with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, but lost out on net run-rate.
Andhra coach Sanath Kumar knows the importance of big results and said: “The boys are playing good cricket. But recognition will come only when they play the knockouts and reach finals. Otherwise, nobody will remember. Previously, the luck factor was not in our way.”
In this tournament, Andhra has used a few under-23 players as well and the coach said the team is focussed on picking different players for different formats and it is something that has worked well.
Importantly, skipper G. Hanuma Vihari has identified the change in attitude and approach, saying the team is now playing to win and not just compete hard.
“If we are just trying to compete, you are not sure if you are giving your 100%. When you know your teammates’ strength and you play together, you try to win, rather than just competing and getting close. We now know we can win against any team.”
Vihari added that good results here will help the team send players to the India ‘A’ and Board President’s sides and the experience can prove valuable in the long run.
“Players from Karnataka and Mumbai play for India and ‘A’ sides and they have the exposure and experience. If we keep winning matches here and get to the next level, our boys will also get that experience to play in the India-A squad. That will help rub off on other players as well. Once you win as a team, then you can get more players at the higher level.”
