Irani Cup : Mumbai cricket made history once again as Ajinkya Rahane’s team secured their 15th Irani Cup title, defeating the Rest of India (RoI) based on a first-innings lead at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. This long awaited victory, after a 27 year gap, showcased the resilience and dominance of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy champions, who last won the title in the 1997-98 season.
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Mumbai’s victory was powered by exceptional performances throughout the match. Their first innings total of 537 set the tone, with Sarfaraz Khan’s unbeaten 222 being the highlight. Sarfaraz’s double century was a masterpiece of composure and determination, further solidifying his reputation as a first class cricket stalwart. Captain Ajinkya Rahane also played a crucial role, contributing a gritty 97 and guiding his team through a challenging RoI bowling attack.
Sarfaraz’s Stellar Form and Emotional Tribute
Sarfaraz Khan’s contribution earned him the Player of the Match award, which he dedicated to his younger brother, Musheer Khan. Musheer was unable to participate in the final due to a serious car accident just days before the match. Sarfaraz’s heartfelt gesture added a deeply personal touch to the win, underlining the emotional stakes that went into this historic victory.
RoI’s Response and Mumbai’s Dominance
In response, the Rest of India showed fight, with Abhimanyu Easwaran leading the charge with a commanding 191. Dhruv Jurel’s 93 further bolstered the RoI innings. However, the Mumbai bowlers, led by a combination of relentless pace and spin, managed to restrict the RoI to 416, giving Mumbai a crucial 121 run lead. This lead proved to be the defining factor as the match ended in a draw, handing Mumbai the trophy on the first-innings advantage.
Tanush Kotian’s Heroics and Mumbai’s Commanding Second Innings
After a shaky start in their second innings, Mumbai found stability in Tanush Kotian. The all rounder delivered a match-defining knock of 114*, his maiden century in domestic cricket. Kotian’s efforts, combined with a solid 76 from Prithvi Shaw, helped Mumbai solidify their control over the match, setting a formidable target of 450 for RoI in the final session.
Despite a spirited bowling effort by Saransh Jain, who took 6 for 121, RoI could not overcome the massive first-innings deficit. The final day saw RoI captain Ruturaj Gaikwad shake hands with Rahane, marking the end of the match and confirming Mumbai’s Irani Cup triumph.
Mumbai’s Legacy of Domestic Dominance
This win not only marks Mumbai’s 15th Irani Cup title but also reaffirms their dominance in Indian domestic cricket. Having already won an unprecedented 42 Ranji Trophy titles, Mumbai’s latest success adds another feather to their cap. The victory comes on the heels of their 2023 Ranji Trophy triumph, solidifying their status as the most successful team in Indian cricket history.
Mumbai’s domestic trophy haul now stands at:
- Ranji Trophy – 42 titles
- Irani Cup – 15 titles
- Vijay Hazare Trophy – 4 titles
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – 1 title
Mumbai’s Irani Cup win is a testament to the team’s resilience, teamwork, and ability to thrive under pressure. From Sarfaraz Khan’s brilliance to Tanush Kotian’s lower order heroics, each player stepped up when it mattered most. As Mumbai celebrates this historic win, the city and its cricketing fraternity are reminded once again of their proud legacy of playing hard nosed, “khadoos” cricket.
The win not only ended a 27 year drought in the Irani Cup but also served as a reminder of Mumbai’s unmatched dominance in Indian domestic cricket, making them a true cricketing powerhouse.
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