In a subdued finish to the Irani Cup, Mumbai claimed victory for the 15th time, celebrating their first title in 27 years. The team was awarded the win based on their first innings lead.
After being inserted to bat first, Mumbai faced early trouble at 37 for 3, with the ball moving ominously for the Rest of India (ROI) bowlers. However, a resilient partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings. Sarfaraz Khan's dogged knock of 222 propelled Mumbai to a mammoth total of 537, showcasing their batting prowess and reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in Indian cricket.
The match's narrative shifted when ROI required a robust response in their first innings. Despite a commendable effort from centurion Abhimanyu Easwaran, who looked poised to lead ROI past Mumbai's first innings total, a top-edge sweep saw him fall, triggering a collapse of the batting order.
With a healthy first innings lead of 121 runs, Mumbai began their second innings with a spirited start, led by Prithvi Shaw. However, a sudden flurry of wickets provided ROI with a glimmer of hope. As the final day unfolded, the tension was palpable, but the match's tide turned decisively when Mohit Avasthi and Tanush Kotian formed a formidable partnership, amassing 158 runs for the ninth wicket.
Kotian's brilliant century ultimately deflated ROI’s hopes, while Mumbai's players remained resolute despite the earlier loss of Shardul Thakur to illness.
As the match meandered towards its conclusion, ROI resorted to part-time bowlers Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, but the inevitable was on the horizon. The game was officially called off right after Avasthi reached his fifty, concluding in a draw but awarding the title to Mumbai based on their first innings lead.
This victory highlighted Mumbai's enduring legacy in domestic cricket, demonstrating their resilience and strategic acumen when the chips were down. With this win, they have once again proven themselves as the team to beat in the realm of Indian domestic cricket.(UNI)
Match Drawn:
Mumbai 1st Innings: 537 all out (141 Overs), Sarfaraz Khan 222, Ajinkya Rahane (97); Mukesh Kumar 5/110, Yash Dayal 2/89.
Rest of India 1st Innings: 416 all out (110 Overs), Abhimayu Easwaran 191, Dhruv Jurel 93; Shams Mulani 3/122, Tanush Kotian 3/101, Mohit Avasthi 2/97.