In a thrilling start to the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D campaign, domestic giants Mumbai successfully defended a target of 243 runs to secure a narrow 35-run victory over a tenacious Jammu & Kashmir side at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium. The hard-fought contest, characterized by moments of brilliant individual performances, concluded on Day 4 after a nail-biting chase by the hosts.
Mumbai secured a crucial six points from the victory, while Jammu & Kashmir earned significant praise for their relentless fighting spirit against the 42-time Ranji champions.
Mumbai, invited to bat first, was rescued from a precarious position by a resilient partnership. After an early collapse, Siddhesh Lad’s masterful century (116) and a vital 91 from all-rounder Shams Mulani powered Mumbai to a competitive first-innings total of 386. For J&K, pacer Yudhvir Singh impressed with a five-wicket haul.
In response, the J&K innings was anchored by a spectacular counter-attacking century from captain Paras Dogra (144). His marathon effort allowed the hosts to cut the deficit, with J&K eventually bowled out for 325, conceding a slender first-innings lead of 61 runs to Mumbai. Off-spinner Shams Mulani was the pick of the Mumbai bowlers, claiming 4 wickets.
Mumbai’s second innings struggled to gain momentum, largely due to a superb bowling performance from J&K swing bowler Auqib Nabi. Nabi delivered a match-changing spell, tearing through Mumbai’s top and middle order to claim an exceptional 5-wicket haul for 52 runs. Mumbai was bundled out for just 181, setting J&K a challenging target of 243 for an outright victory.
The pursuit on Day 4 was fraught with tension. J&K opener Qamran Iqbal played a courageous knock, top-scoring with 56. However, with the ball showing signs of movement and turn, Mumbai’s bowling unit, spearheaded once again by the versatile Shams Mulani, maintained pressure. Mulani added three more wickets to his match tally, ensuring the hosts fell short, bowled out for 207.
The narrow margin of this defeat should not be viewed as a loss, but as a confirmation of J&K’s growing potential. We encourage the team to take pride in the courage and skill shown this week. This performance lays a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
