Lucknow, Oct 5 (PV News) Mumbai secured their 15th Irani Cup title, ending a 27-year drought, with a win based on a first-innings lead in a tightly contested match against Rest of India (ROI) in Lucknow. Despite the game ending in a draw, Mumbai’s dominance in the first innings sealed the victory.

After being sent in to bat, Mumbai struggled early at 37 for 3, with ROI bowlers posing a significant threat. However, Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer stabilized the innings before Sarfaraz Khan’s brilliant 222 guided Mumbai to a commanding total of 537. Sarfaraz’s knock reaffirmed Mumbai’s standing as a cricketing powerhouse in the domestic circuit.

In response, ROI needed a strong performance, and Abhimanyu Easwaran led the charge with a magnificent 191. However, his dismissal, following a top-edge on a sweep shot, sparked a collapse. ROI were bowled out for 416, giving Mumbai a crucial first-innings lead of 121.

Mumbai’s second innings began positively with Prithvi Shaw scoring 76, but ROI’s bowlers fought back, especially Saransh Jain, who took 6 wickets. At 329 for 8, Mumbai looked vulnerable, but Tanush Kotian’s unbeaten century (114*) alongside Mohit Avasthi’s fifty (50*) in a 158-run partnership for the ninth wicket effectively sealed ROI’s fate.

As the match drifted toward a conclusion, with Mumbai firmly in control, ROI resorted to part-time bowlers Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. The game was officially called off after Avasthi’s half-century, awarding Mumbai the trophy based on their first-innings lead.

This victory marked Mumbai’s enduring strength in domestic cricket, with the team showcasing resilience, skill, and tactical sharpness throughout the match.

Match Summary:

• Mumbai 1st Innings: 537 all out (141 Overs) – Sarfaraz Khan 222, Ajinkya Rahane 97; Mukesh Kumar 5/110, Yash Dayal 2/89.
• Rest of India 1st Innings: 416 all out (110 Overs) – Abhimanyu Easwaran 191, Dhruv Jurel 93; Shams Mulani 3/122, Tanush Kotian 3/101.
• Mumbai 2nd Innings: 329 for 8 (78 Overs) – Prithvi Shaw 76, Tanush Kotian 114*; Saransh Jain 6/121, Manav Suthar 2/78.