Cricket

Mumbai's 27-year wait for the Irani Cup ended in dramatic fashion as they secured a hard-fought draw against Rest of India (RoI) on the final day of the match at the Bharat Ratna Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.Resuming the day with a lead of 274, Mumbai's primary objective was to bat out as long as possible to deny RoI a chance to chase. However, Saransh Jain's off-spin proved to be a threat, claiming the wickets of Sarfaraz Khan and Shardul Thakur in quick succession. With Mumbai reduced to 171 for eight, the game seemed to be slipping away.Enter Tanush Kotian and Mohit Avasthi. The duo forged a record-breaking ninth-wicket partnership of 158 runs, the highest in the history of the Irani Cup. Kotian, who was dropped twice after reaching his fifty, played a patient and determined innings, while Avasthi provided solid support.Their partnership not only ensured Mumbai's survival but also put the pressure back on RoI. With the declaration imminent, RoI's bowlers appeared to lose interest, allowing Kotian and Avasthi to bat at a leisurely pace. The game dragged on at a snail's pace, with only 38 overs bowled during the entire day's play.Eventually, Mumbai declared their innings at 329 for eight, setting RoI an improbable target of 306. With early tea taken due to the declaration, the teams shook hands, and Mumbai celebrated their second consecutive Irani Cup triumph.Saransh Jain emerged as the standout bowler for RoI, claiming six wickets in the match. Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a century in the first innings, was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

Tanush Kotian, a rising star in Indian cricket, has emerged as a formidable all-rounder in the ongoing Irani Cup 2024. His exceptional performances with both bat and ball have propelled Mumbai to a commanding position in the match against Rest of India.In the first innings, Kotian showcased his batting prowess with a gritty 64 off 124 deliveries. His innings helped Mumbai post a respectable total of 537. However, it was in the second innings that Kotian truly shone.With Mumbai struggling at 171/8, Kotian stepped up to the plate and forged an unbeaten 158-run partnership with Mohit Avasthi (51* off 93 balls). Kotian's century, scored off 150 balls, was a testament to his composure and ability to handle pressure.Kotian's batting heroics were not limited to his century. He also played a crucial role in Mumbai's bowling attack. In the first innings, he claimed 3/101, the best figures for a Mumbai bowler. His wickets helped dismiss Rest of India for 416, giving Mumbai a significant lead.Thanks to Kotian's all-round performance, Mumbai managed to extend their lead to 450 runs. The match eventually ended in a draw, but Mumbai were declared winners via their first-innings lead, securing their 15th Irani Cup title after a 27-year wait.Kotian's exploits in the Irani Cup have highlighted his versatility and potential as a future star of Indian cricket. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset to any team. As he continues to develop, Kotian is poised to make a significant impact on the Indian cricket scene.

The Irani Cup's fourth day witnessed a dramatic turn of events as Mumbai extended their lead over Rest of India, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.Resuming their overnight partnership, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Dhruv Jurel looked poised to challenge Mumbai's imposing first-innings total of 537. However, Shams Mulani's incisive bowling proved too much for the duo. In quick succession, Mulani dismissed Jurel (93) and Easwaran (191), extinguishing Rest of India's hopes of a substantial lead.With the fifth wicket falling, Rest of India's batting collapsed, losing their remaining wickets for just 23 runs. Tanush Kotian and Mulani shared the spoils, claiming three wickets each. Mumbai's lead swelled to a comfortable 121 runs.In their second innings, Mumbai's batting was anchored by Prithvi Shaw. Despite losing wickets at the other end, Shaw remained unfazed, scoring a fluent 76 off 105 deliveries. His innings included eight boundaries and a six.Saransh Jain and Manav Suthar provided the breakthroughs for Rest of India, claiming four and two wickets respectively. However, Mumbai's lead had already reached 274 runs by the end of the day's play.Rest of India face an uphill task on the fifth morning. They must quickly dismiss the remaining Mumbai batters and set themselves a manageable target. However, the presence of spinners in the game suggests that the chase could be a daunting one. Mumbai, on the other hand, will be confident of wrapping up the match and securing victory.

Mumbai's run-machine Sarfaraz Khan fulfilled a heartfelt promise to his family and teammates by scoring a magnificent double century in the Irani Cup match against Rest of India. The knock was a testament to his unwavering determination and a tribute to his younger brother Musheer, who was recovering from a road accident.Khan's 222-run innings propelled Mumbai to a mammoth 537 all out on the third day of the match. The achievement marked a significant milestone for the 26-year-old, making him the first player to score an Irani Cup double hundred for Mumbai.Driven by a deep emotional connection, Khan had vowed to score a double century if he was set. "I had promised my family and teammates that if I am set, I will score 200 – a hundred for me and a hundred for my brother," he said.Despite the challenging conditions at the Ekana Stadium, Khan displayed his exceptional batting skills. His elegant drives on the off-side and masterful footwork against spinners were a sight to behold. He particularly targeted left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, punishing him for 137 runs in 37 overs.Khan's monumental effort was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to his unwavering commitment to his team. "It's a big opportunity for us to win the Irani Cup after a long time," he said. "I thought of playing as long as possible, putting as many runs on the board as possible which will help the team win."The double century further solidifies Khan's status as a potential national team contender. His consistent ability to score big runs has caught the attention of selectors, who are likely to consider him for the remaining Test matches of the season.Khan's performance is a reminder of the resilience and determination that drives athletes to achieve greatness. Despite the adversity faced by his family, he remained focused on his goal and delivered a truly memorable innings.

Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur's determination and resilience were tested to the limit during the Irani Trophy match against Rest of India in Lucknow. Despite battling a high fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, Thakur played through the pain and contributed a valuable 36 runs in a crucial ninth-wicket partnership with Sarfaraz Khan.Thakur's fever had been bothering him since the first day of the match, but it worsened after spending nearly two hours in the middle. He took two breaks to receive medical attention, but refused to leave the field. The Mumbai team management eventually took him to a local hospital, where he was kept under observation.Despite his physical discomfort, Thakur faced 59 balls and hit four fours and a six. His innings was a testament to his fighting spirit and determination to contribute to his team's cause. This was his first domestic match after recovering from a foot surgery, which he had undergone in London in June.Thakur's injury had re-emerged during India's tour of South Africa, and he is eager to prove his fitness and value ahead of India's upcoming tour of Australia. With a five-match series against the Aussies on the horizon, Thakur knows that strong performances in the domestic season will be crucial to his chances of selection.The Mumbai team management is awaiting the results of Thakur's blood tests for malaria and dengue. Until then, he will remain in the hospital under observation. His availability for the rest of the Irani Trophy match remains uncertain.

Mumbai's Sarfaraz Khan produced a batting masterclass on the second day of the Irani Cup, scoring an unbeaten 221 to put his team in a commanding position against Rest of India (RoI).Khan's marathon innings, his fourth First Class double century, was a testament to his determination and skill. Despite a hot and humid day at the Bharat Ratna Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, he remained unfazed, frustrating the RoI bowlers with his cheeky strokes and game-sense.After Mumbai lost early wickets, Khan found support from Tanush Kotian, who contributed 64 runs. Together, they helped Mumbai recover from a shaky start. When Kotian departed, Shardul Thakur provided valuable support, scoring 36 runs.RoI's bowlers, including Yash Dayal, Prasidh Krishna, and Mukesh Kumar, tried various tactics to dismiss Khan, but he remained unyielding. He used his reverse-paddle shot to negate the off-spinner Saransh Jain's plan of bowling in the stumps.Khan's double century is the highest individual score for Mumbai in the Irani Cup, surpassing Ramnath Parkar's 195 in 1972. It is also the fifth highest individual score in the tournament's history.Mumbai ended the day on 536 for nine, with Juned Khan yet to bat. The team will hope to build on their strong position on the third day and secure a victory in the Irani Cup.

Sarfaraz Khan, the prodigious Indian batter, has once again showcased his exceptional talent with a scintillating century in the Irani Cup for Mumbai. Despite being overlooked for the recent Test series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz's latest heroics have sent a resounding message to the team management.Sarfaraz, who has amassed an impressive 15 triple-digit scores in First Class cricket, reached his century in just 150 balls, demonstrating his aggressive approach. His partnership with Ajinkya Rahane yielded 98 runs on Day 1, setting the foundation for Mumbai's strong start.On Day 2, Sarfaraz continued his onslaught, adding 58 runs with Tanush Kotian to guide Mumbai to a commanding position. His century in the 92nd over placed him among the legendary likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who have each scored two centuries in the Irani Cup.Sarfaraz's performance has reignited the debate about his place in the Indian Test team. Despite his consistent domestic performances, he has yet to cement his spot in the playing XI. However, his latest century has served as a timely reminder of his immense potential.With the Indian team set to embark on a T20I series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz will be hoping to continue impressing the management and earn a place in the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia. His credentials are undeniable, but he faces stiff competition from KL Rahul, who is currently ahead of him in the pecking order.Sarfaraz's century has not only boosted Mumbai's chances in the Irani Cup but has also reignited the hopes of Indian cricket fans who believe he deserves a chance to shine at the international level. His ability to score runs consistently and his aggressive style of play make him an exciting prospect for the future of Indian cricket.

Mumbai's batting lineup showcased resilience and composure on the opening day of the Irani Trophy, overcoming early setbacks to end the day in a commanding position against Rest of India.After being inserted into bat, Mumbai lost three quick wickets to Mukesh Kumar, who dismissed Prithvi Shaw, Hardik Tamore, and Ayush Mhatre to leave the team reeling at 37 for 3. However, captain Ajinkya Rahane steadied the ship with a crucial 102-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer.Iyer, who has been in impressive form for India in recent months, contributed 57 runs before being dismissed by Yash Dayal. Undeterred, Rahane continued to anchor the innings, finding an able ally in Sarfaraz Khan.The duo put on an unbeaten 98-run stand, with Rahane remaining not out on 86 off 197 deliveries, including six fours and a six. Sarfaraz, meanwhile, reached 54 not out, hitting six boundaries.Rahane's innings was particularly impressive, coming on the heels of his century for Leicestershire in the County Championship. His experience and leadership proved invaluable for Mumbai, who were without allrounder Musheer Khan due to a neck injury.At stumps, Mumbai were well-placed at 237 for 4, with Rahane and Sarfaraz still at the crease. The duo will look to continue their partnership and extend Mumbai's lead on day two.

The Bharat Ratna Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is abuzz with excitement as the inter-state season kicks off with the Z.R. Irani Cup tie between Mumbai and the Rest of India (RoI). The camaraderie and bonhomie between the two squads were evident during the practice sessions, but the competitive spirit will be on full display come Tuesday.Mumbai, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, will be eager to regain the Irani Cup after a three-decade drought. Beating a formidable RoI side, which boasts a galaxy of India stars, is considered the ultimate test for a Ranji champion. Ajinkya Rahane and his Mumbai team will be determined to start their Ranji title defense with a bang.The RoI squad, on the other hand, will be bolstered by the addition of Yash Dayal and Dhruv Jurel, who were released from India's Test squad. Their presence will pose additional selection dilemmas for both camps. Mumbai may consider handing a debut to promising youngster Ayush Mhatre or giving Siddhesh Lad his first First Class appearance in four years.Beyond the team make-up, the bigger selection battles will be with an eye on the upcoming tour of Australia. The Australia selection tussle could add an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling contest.