Ranji Trophy Day 4 Live Score: Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Maharashtra eye dominant victory against Baroda
Despite Shardul Thakur’s resilient century in Mumbai’s second innings, J&K displayed outstanding grit to chase a 205-run target on Day 3, securing the top spot in Elite Group A.
Mumbai, trailing by 86 runs after the first innings, began their second innings under pressure. Skipper Rohit Sharma, returning to Ranji cricket after nine years, looked aggressive during his 35-ball 28, smashing three sixes and a couple of boundaries. However, Yudhvir Singh dismissed Sharma, and Mumbai’s batting crumbled.
Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a steady 26, but the middle-order trio of Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube failed to capitalize, leaving Mumbai struggling at 101 for 7. Pacers Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh were instrumental in dismantling the lineup.
Shardul Thakur then stepped up with a counterattacking 119 off 135 balls, showcasing his trademark fighting spirit. His knock, studded with 18 boundaries, was crucial in rebuilding Mumbai’s innings. He found support from Tanush Kotian, who contributed a gritty 62 off 136 balls. Their partnership lifted Mumbai to 290, setting J&K a challenging target of 205.
J&K’s chase was anchored by opener Shubham Khajuria’s 45, laying a solid foundation. Contributions from Yawer Hassan (24) and Vivrant Sharma (34) helped steady the innings before Abid Mushtaq and Kanhaiya Wadhawan took charge. Mushtaq’s brisk 32 and Wadhawan’s composed batting ensured J&K completed the chase with five wickets to spare.
Earlier in the match, Mumbai were bundled out for just 120 in their first innings, with Thakur’s half-century being the sole highlight. J&K pacers Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh wreaked havoc, claiming four wickets each.
In reply, J&K posted 206, driven by Khajuria’s composed half-century and a quickfire 44 from Abid Mushtaq. Mumbai’s Mohit Avasthi claimed a five-wicket haul but couldn’t prevent J&K from taking a decisive first-innings lead.
J&K’s historic win underlines their growing stature in domestic cricket, as they outplayed a Mumbai side stacked with star power.
