The excitement of domestic cricket continues as the Irani Cup match between Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai and Rest of India progresses, following the conclusion of the second Test match between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur. This highly celebrated event took place at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, where the quest for glory has seen some thrilling performances. While Mumbai had initially dominated the first two days, Rest of India staged a remarkable comeback, fueled by standout performances from Abhimanyu Easwaran and Dhruv Jurel, who were both on the cusp of personal milestones. However, their ambitions met a swift end at the hands of Mumbai’s talented spinner, Shams Mulani, who dismissed both batsmen within a mere span of seven balls, frustrating their efforts for centuries.
Match Overview and Key Performances
At the beginning of the match, Mumbai showcased their batting proficiency by amassing an impressive total of 537 runs in the first innings, significantly bolstered by a sensational double century from Sarfaraz Khan. This formidable score placed immense pressure on Rest of India to respond effectively. As the match advanced into its third day, Easwaran, the vice-captain and experienced opener from Bengal, was solid at the crease. Averaging a career of 26 centuries, he reached his milestone with a score of 151 runs before the day’s close, supported by Jurel, who remained not out at 30 runs.
Crucial Moments on the Fourth Day
The fourth day started with anticipation as Jurel and Easwaran looked poised to establish new records. With Jurel accelerating the innings, he scored his half-century and was closing in on a century, sitting at 93 runs, while Easwaran was cruising toward a double century at 190 runs. Unfortunately for both players, their hopes were dashed when the crafty left-arm spinner Shams Mulani delivered a breathtaking performance. First, he dismissed Jurel, who was attempting a sweep shot, leading to his dismissal for 93 runs off 121 balls. Following that, Mulani struck again in his next over, catching Easwaran at short leg as he too tried executing a sweep, sending him back for 191 runs off 292 balls. This impressive spell of bowling saw Mulani claim both scalps within just seven deliveries, highlighting his pivotal role in the match.
Who is Shams Mulani?
Shams Mulani, a 27-year-old left-arm spinner, has been a significant figure in Mumbai’s cricketing landscape for several years. Known for his steady performances, he played a crucial role in the Mumbai teamโs victorious campaign in the last Ranji Trophy season. Not only did he capture four wickets in the final, but he also contributed with the bat, scoring a vital half-century in the second innings. Over the previous Ranji season, Mulani showcased his prowess by clinching 35 wickets in just nine matches, accumulating a total of 190 wickets in his first-class career across 41 matches. His ability to perform under pressure makes him an invaluable asset to the Mumbai squad and a player to watch in future domestic cricket endeavors.
As the Irani Cup continues, cricket aficionados eagerly await to see how the remaining days unfold and whether Mumbai can maintain their dominance, particularly with talents like Shams Mulani leading the charge against formidable opponents like Rest of India.
