Maharashtra lock horns with Tamil Nadu in Ranji semis (Preview)

A fascinating clash awaits the cricket fans as Tamil Nadu ride on their batting prowess to take on Maharashtra's bowling might in a Ranji Trophy semifinal beginning at the Eden Gardens here Wednesday.

While Tamil Nadu came into the semifinals, beating Vidarbha on first innings lead, Maharashtra ripped through the Andhra Pradesh batting line-up and registered a 75-run win in their quarterfinal.

India's Test opener Murali Vijay, wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik, Abhinav Mukund, Baba Aparajith and Indrajith are the top five Tamil Nadu in-form batsmen the Maharashtra bowlers have to battle.

The Eden pitch, which could be a little on the slower side, seems conducive to batting, and the formidable Tamil Nadu willowers must be looking to capitalise on the condition.

Tamil Nadu have the advantage of being guided by W. V. Raman, who is the present batting coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and earlier had two stints with the Bengal team.

The Maharashtra bowling line-up will be spearheaded by left-arm pacer Samad Fallah and Anupam Sanklecha. Shrikanth Mundhe will give the adequate support upfront.

Unlike Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra do not boast of a star-studded line up, but is surely capable of ensuring a formidable total on the scoreboard, specially with the likes of veteran Kedar Jadhav and Vijay Zol in a run-scoring spree.