Mumbai lifted the Irani Cup for the first time since the 1997-98 season, thanks to a remarkable unbeaten century by Tanush Kotian on the fifth and final day. Mumbai secured victory on the basis of their first-innings lead after the match ended in a draw against Rest of India.
Match Summary: Key Scores
- Mumbai: 537 (Sarfaraz Khan 222*, Ajinkya Rahane 97, Mukesh Kumar 5-110) and 329/8 decl (Kotian 114*, Prithvi Shaw 76, Saransh Jain 6-121)
- Rest of India: 416 (Abhimanyu Easwaran 191, Dhruv Jurel 93, Kotian 3-101)
Mumbai’s dominance in the first innings set the stage for victory, with standout performances from Sarfaraz Khan and Kotian, who played critical roles in both innings.
Tanush Kotian’s Record-Breaking Performance
Batting at No. 8, Tanush Kotian delivered an unbeaten 114 off 150 balls, anchoring Mumbai to a commanding lead of 450 runs. Notably, he became the first player in Irani Cup history to score fifties in both innings while batting at No. 8 or lower:
- 1st Innings: 64 runs
- 2nd Innings: 114*
Kotian struck 10 fours and 1 six during his resilient innings, showcasing his ability to bat under pressure.
How the Fifth Day Unfolded
Mumbai resumed Day 5 with a 274-run lead, with Kotian and Sarfaraz Khan at the crease. However, Rest of India’s Saransh Jain made early inroads:
- Sarfaraz Khan was trapped lbw in the fourth over.
- Shardul Thakur followed quickly, stumped off Saransh.
At 6 wickets down, Mumbai’s lead looked substantial but not insurmountable. Enter Mohit Awasthi.
Kotian and Awasthi’s Match-Saving Partnership
Tanush Kotian and Mohit Awasthi batted with grit, adding 158 runs across 200 balls, ensuring Mumbai’s control over the game.
- Awasthi scored his maiden first-class half-century with a composed knock, hitting 4 fours and 1 six.
- Despite Rest of India using 8 bowlers, including unconventional options like Ishan Kishan and Sai Sudharsan, Mumbai remained unfazed.
Saransh Jain’s Effort Goes in Vain
Offspinner Saransh Jain was Rest of India’s standout bowler in the second innings, claiming a brilliant 6-wicket haul. However, his efforts couldn’t prevent Mumbai from stretching their lead and sealing the title.
Mumbai’s Victory: 27 Years in the Making
The last time Mumbai won the Irani Cup was in the 1997-98 season, a testament to their historic dominance in domestic cricket. Under pressure, the team demonstrated a blend of youth and experience, with players like:
- Sarfaraz Khan: Double century in the first innings (222*).
- Tanush Kotian: A match-defining all-round performance (64 & 114*).
Key Highlights from the Match
- Sarfaraz Khan’s unbeaten 222 set the foundation for Mumbai’s first-innings total of 537.
- Tanush Kotian emerged as Mumbai’s hero with two crucial knocks.
- Saransh Jain’s brilliant 6-121 couldn’t turn the game for Rest of India.
- Mumbai declared with a 450-run lead, forcing Rest of India to settle for a draw.
What’s Next for Mumbai?
Mumbai’s Irani Cup triumph not only ends their 27-year drought but also reinforces their dominance in Indian domestic cricket. Emerging talents like Tanush Kotian and experienced hands like Ajinkya Rahane and Sarfaraz Khan highlight Mumbai’s promising future.
Conclusion
Mumbai’s victory in the 2024 Irani Cup will be remembered for Tanush Kotian’s heroics, a gritty fightback, and dominant first-innings performances. This win marks a historic milestone, showcasing Mumbai’s unyielding spirit in Indian cricket.
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