Thaindian News

New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS) Rajasthan created history as they knocked out defending champions Mumbai for the first time and made the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy after 25 years Monday.Though the quarterfinal ended in a draw, Rajasthan, who qualified from the Plate Group, booked the semi-final berth on the basis of three points for their huge 337-runs first innings lead.

The eight-time finalists will now host Tamil Nadu in the semi-finals at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here from January 3-6.

Tamil Nadu also made the semi-final by the virtue of their better run-rate against Haryana in the other quarterfinal in Rohtak. Haryana declared their first innings at 379 for six while the visitors made 285 for six.

In the other semi-final, Baroda will face Karnataka at Vadodara.

Karnataka defeated Madhya Pradesh, who were also promoted, by five wickets in Indore to make the last four. Set a target of 177 runs, the visitors made 180 for five in the second innings with Amit Verma remaining unbeaten on 68.

Baroda also made the semis after their took three crucial points due to their first innings lead against Railways in their drawn quarterfinal in Vadodara.

Brief scores:
At Rohtak: Haryana first innings 379/6 dec; Tamil Nadu first innings 285/6. Tamil Nadu advance on the basis of better run rate.

At Indore: Madhya Pradesh 200 and 337; Karnataka first innings 361 all out and 180/5. Karnataka won by 5 wickets.

At Jaipur: Mumbai 252 and 290/1; Rajasthan first innings 589. Rajasthan advance on the basis of first innings lead.

At Vadodara: Railways 248 and 366/8 dec; Baroda 416 and 136/2. Baroda advance on the basis of first innings lead.