Mumbai has secured the Irani Cup for the 15th time. The encounter between Mumbai and the Rest of India at Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium ended in a draw, leading Mumbai to emerge as the champion based on the first-innings lead. Previously, Mumbai last won the Irani Cup in 1997, achieving this victory after a prolonged 27-year wait. The match saw Ajinkya Rahane at the helm for Mumbai, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the Rest of India team.
Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a double century in the first innings, was named 'Player of the Match'. In the Irani Cup, the Ranji champion takes on the Rest of India. Last season, the Ranji Trophy was clinched by Mumbai. It is noteworthy that the Rest of India has been crowned Irani Cup champion 30 times, with Mumbai following closely behind.
On the fifth day of the match (October 5), Mumbai's score in the second innings was 329 for eight, prompting both teams to call it a day. For Mumbai, Tanush Kotian stood unbeaten with 114 runs off 150 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and a six. Prithvi Shaw (76 runs) and Mohit Avasthi (an unbeaten 51) also made valuable contributions with half-centuries. At one point, Mumbai, having a significant first-innings lead, was struggling at 171/8. Then, Tanush Kotian and Mohit Avasthi orchestrated an unbroken ninth-wicket partnership of 158 runs, securing Mumbai's position.
Mumbai amassed 537 runs in their first innings, with Sarfaraz Khan remaining unbeaten at 222. During his innings, Sarfaraz faced 286 balls, hitting 25 boundaries and sending four sixes over the ropes. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane (97 runs), Tanush Kotian (64 runs), and Shreyas Iyer (57 runs) also made half-century contributions for Mumbai. The Rest of India's fast bowler Mukesh Kumar claimed five wickets, with Prasidh Krishna and Yash Dayal adding two wickets each to their tally.
Iswaran's Century for Rest of India
In response, the Rest of India's first innings garnered 416 runs, giving Mumbai a lead of 121 on the first innings. Opener Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 191 off 292 balls, with 16 boundaries and one six. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel contributed a crucial 93 runs. For Mumbai, Tanush Kotian and Shams Mulani both bagged three wickets each.
