Reigning Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai clinched the Irani Cup 2024 by defeating Rest of India based on first-innings lead, marking their first title in 27 years on Saturday, October 5, at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Their last victory in this esteemed tournament was in 1997, when they triumphed over ROI by 54 runs under the captaincy of Sanjay Manjrekar.
Sarfaraz Khan was the standout player for Mumbai, scoring an unbeaten 222 as they set a strong total of 537 in their first innings. Captain Ajinkya Rahane also played a key role, contributing 97 runs off 234 balls.
For Rest of India, Abhimanyu Easwaran excelled with 191 runs, and Dhruv Jurel added 93. Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian each took three wickets, helping to bowl out ROI for 416 and giving Mumbai a crucial first-innings lead of 121 runs.
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In the second innings, Prithvi Shaw created a significant impact with 76 runs off 105 balls for Mumbai. However, Mumbai lost wickets frequently and were at 171-8. Then, from the twelfth position, Tanush Kotian gave an unusual unbeaten knock of 114 from twelfth position that shifted the momentum firmly in the favor of Mumbai.
At the end of Day 5, Mumbai stood at 329-8, leading by 450 runs. The match ended in a draw, but Mumbai won based on their first-innings lead. Sarfaraz Khan was named Player of the Match for his impressive double-century in the first innings.
“This trophy is for all the Mumbaikars”-Ajinkya Rahane after winning the Irani Cup 2024
In the post-match presentation, Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane praised Sarfaraz Khan and Tanush Kotian for their crucial contributions. He emphasized that the trophy belongs to all Mumbaikars and club cricketers. He mentioned:
“Special feeling, winning after 27 years feels amazing. We knew before the game we were up against a very good team. We wanted to bat first as it’s a red-soil wicket, we play at the Wankhede so we know how it behaves.”
”Every session counts in a five-day game, everyone batted well, Sarfaraz, but want to mention one name – Tanush, last season he was amazing and this game as well.”
“This trophy belongs to all the Mumbaikars, all the maidaan people, club cricketers, I want to play the game in the right way and be truthful to the game,” Rahane added [as quoted by Cricbuzz].
Mumbai will play Baroda in their opening match of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, starting on October 11.
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