Mumbai, the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history, has once again stamped its authority on the domestic circuit by storming into the semifinals of the prestigious tournament. The 42-time champions continued their march towards an unprecedented 43rd title by securing a commanding 152-run victory over Haryana in the quarterfinals at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Tuesday.
The highlight of the match was skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s much-awaited century in his milestone 200th First-Class game. After a prolonged wait of 762 days, the veteran batsman finally reached the three-figure mark, guiding Mumbai to a crucial victory and reaffirming his class in the red-ball format.
Rahane’s Century: A Fitting Tribute to His Milestone Match
Ajinkya Rahane, who had been searching for a century since January 2023, delivered a memorable performance when it mattered the most. The experienced batsman had come agonizingly close in Mumbai’s previous match against Meghalaya, where he fell just four runs short at 96. However, in this high-stakes quarterfinal clash, he ensured that history did not repeat itself. Rahane played a determined knock of 108 off 180 balls, anchoring Mumbai’s second innings and solidifying their dominance over Haryana.
The Mumbai skipper remained unbeaten at the end of Day 3, and early on Day 4, he reached the elusive century before eventually falling to Anuj Thakral. His innings not only helped Mumbai set up a formidable total but also provided a psychological boost to the team heading into the knockout stages.
Match Recap: Mumbai’s Clinical Performance
The match saw Mumbai exhibiting their classic blend of resilience and skill. Batting first, Mumbai posted a total of 315 runs in the first innings, thanks to crucial contributions from Tanush Kotian (97) and Shams Mulani (91). Despite the middle-order wobble, the two all-rounders ensured Mumbai reached a competitive total.
Haryana, in response, put up a decent fight, managing to score 301 runs. Their innings was headlined by Ankit Rajesh Kumar’s impressive 136 off 206 balls, but it was Mumbai’s bowling attack that made the difference. Shardul Thakur was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming six wickets and restricting Haryana from taking a significant lead.
Mumbai’s second innings saw a much stronger display, with Rahane’s century leading the charge. He was ably supported by the returning Suryakumar Yadav, who played a blistering 70-run knock, accelerating Mumbai’s innings. The team eventually declared at 339, setting Haryana a steep target of 354 runs to chase in the fourth innings.
However, Mumbai’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Royston Dias and Shardul Thakur, made light work of the opposition. Dias scalped a brilliant five-wicket haul, dismantling Haryana’s batting lineup. Thakur, continuing his red-hot form, added three more wickets to his tally. Eventually, Haryana was bundled out for just 201, handing Mumbai a comprehensive victory.
Shardul Thakur: The Match-Winner Once Again
If Rahane’s century was the backbone of Mumbai’s batting, it was Shardul Thakur’s all-round brilliance that made him the standout performer of the match. The pace-bowling all-rounder picked up a match haul of nine wickets (6 in the first innings and 3 in the second), cementing his status as one of Mumbai’s most reliable match-winners. His contribution with the bat—21 crucial runs—also played a role in ensuring Mumbai maintained control over the game. His heroics earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Impactful Return to Ranji Trophy
Another positive for Mumbai was the return of their star batsman, Suryakumar Yadav, to the Ranji Trophy. The flamboyant batter, known for his aggressive style of play, made an instant impact with a vital 70-run knock in the second innings. His quick-fire innings ensured Mumbai had enough runs on the board to put Haryana under pressure, and his presence in the middle order adds further depth to an already formidable Mumbai lineup.
What’s Next for Mumbai?
With this victory, Mumbai has now set its sights on the semifinals, where they will face another strong contender. Their dominant performance against Haryana reaffirms their status as one of the top teams in the competition, and with key players hitting form at the right time, they will be optimistic about their chances of lifting the trophy yet again.
As the Ranji Trophy nears its climax, Mumbai’s blend of experienced campaigners like Rahane and Thakur, along with the youthful exuberance of players like Kotian and Mulani, makes them a formidable force. If they continue this winning momentum, a 43rd Ranji Trophy title could well be within reach.
Conclusion
Mumbai’s emphatic quarterfinal victory over Haryana was not just about making it to the semifinals; it was about reasserting their dominance in Indian domestic cricket. Rahane’s long-awaited century, Thakur’s match-winning spells, and Suryakumar’s fiery return all contributed to an outstanding team effort. As they march ahead, Mumbai will look to capitalize on this momentum and add yet another chapter to their illustrious Ranji Trophy history.
