Regardless of Shardul Thakur’s resilient century in Mumbai’s second innings, J&Okay displayed excellent grit to chase a 205-run goal on Day 3, securing the highest spot in Elite Group A.
Mumbai, trailing by 86 runs after the primary innings, started their second innings beneath strain. Skipper Rohit Sharma, returning to Ranji cricket after 9 years, appeared aggressive throughout his 35-ball 28, smashing three sixes and a few boundaries. Nevertheless, Yudhvir Singh dismissed Sharma, and Mumbai’s batting crumbled.
Yashasvi Jaiswal supplied a gradual 26, however the middle-order trio of Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube did not capitalize, leaving Mumbai struggling at 101 for 7. Pacers Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh had been instrumental in dismantling the lineup.
Shardul Thakur then stepped up with a counterattacking 119 off 135 balls, showcasing his trademark preventing spirit. His knock, studded with 18 boundaries, was essential in rebuilding Mumbai’s innings. He discovered help from Tanush Kotian, who contributed a gritty 62 off 136 balls. Their partnership lifted Mumbai to 290, setting J&Okay a difficult goal of 205.
J&Okay’s chase was anchored by opener Shubham Khajuria’s 45, laying a stable basis. Contributions from Yawer Hassan (24) and Vivrant Sharma (34) helped regular the innings earlier than Abid Mushtaq and Kanhaiya Wadhawan took cost. Mushtaq’s brisk 32 and Wadhawan’s composed batting ensured J&Okay accomplished the chase with 5 wickets to spare.
Earlier within the match, Mumbai had been bundled out for simply 120 of their first innings, with Thakur’s half-century being the only spotlight. J&Okay pacers Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh wreaked havoc, claiming 4 wickets every.
In reply, J&Okay posted 206, pushed by Khajuria’s composed half-century and a quickfire 44 from Abid Mushtaq. Mumbai’s Mohit Avasthi claimed a five-wicket haul however couldn’t forestall J&Okay from taking a decisive first-innings lead.
J&Okay’s historic win underlines their rising stature in home cricket, as they outplayed a Mumbai facet stacked with star energy.
