Ranji Trophy winners Mumbai clinched the Irani Cup after their five-day match against Rest of India concluded in a draw at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The match ended without a clear victor, but Mumbai secured the title by virtue of their first-innings lead. This achievement highlights Mumbai’s continued dominance in Indian domestic cricket, further solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in the Ranji Trophy and other prestigious tournaments.
Mumbai Celebrates Irani Cup Victory:
With their recent triumph, Mumbai has finally ended a 27-year drought for the Irani Cup, having last claimed the title in the 1997-98 season. Since then, they have faced tough competition, losing eight finals, including the most recent one in the 2015-16 season. This victory marks their 15th overall Irani Cup win, as they continue to solidify their status as domestic cricket powerhouses.
The Rest of India team still holds the record for the most Irani Cup victories, boasting a total of 30 titles. Following their significant win, the Mumbai team celebrated their achievement in style, proudly displaying the trophy upon their return to the city.
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The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is set to honor the Ajinkya Rahane-led Mumbai team in a special ceremony following their victory in the Irani Cup. MCA president Ajinkya Naik announced that the celebration will take place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, recognizing the team’s significant achievement.
The event will bring together various dignitaries, including board officials, members of the Apex Council, representatives from local clubs and grounds, as well as members of the Cricket Improvement Committee. This ceremony aims to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff that led to this remarkable triumph.
Mumbai Outplayed Rest of India:
Despite the quick dismissals of first-innings double centurion Sarfaraz Khan (17) and Shardul Thakur (2), Tanush Kotian and Mohit Avasthi dashed the Rest of India’s hopes for a successful chase. Kotian, who resumed at 20, demonstrated great composure on a challenging red clay pitch. Mumbai was at 171/8 at one point, but the pair forged an unbroken 148-run partnership for the eighth wicket. The highlight for Rest of India was off-spinner Saransh Jain, who claimed six wickets for 121 runs.
By the end of Friday, Mumbai held a commanding 274-run lead, setting the stage for a likely draw. However, Tanush Kotian turned the match in Mumbai’s favor with a resilient unbeaten 114 off 150 balls, which included ten fours and one six. He had previously contributed 64 runs in the first innings and took three wickets in the Rest of India’s first innings.
Mumbai declared their innings after extending their overall lead to 450 runs. Recognizing the challenge of chasing such a target in just over a session, Rest of India captain Ruturaj Gaikwad opted to shake hands with Mumbai’s Ajinkya Rahane. Resuming at 153/6, Mumbai declared at 329/8 after tailender Mohit Avasthi reached his third first-class fifty.
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