Mumbai clinch 15th Irani Cup title, their first after 27 years

Tanush Kotian scored a hard-fought century to hand Mumbai their 15th Irani Cup title after their draw against Rest of India on Day five of the contest in Lucknow on Saturday. Mumbai clinched the Irani Cup trophy, their first in 27 years, by virtue of first innings lead.

Mumbai’s last Irani Cup victory came during the 1997-98 season and since then, the domestic powerhouse appeared in eight more finals without success, the last of which was in the 2015-16 season.

Mumbai, who started the final day from overnight 153 for six, declared their second innings at 329 for eight for an overall lead of 450 runs.

𝐂.𝐇.𝐀.𝐌.𝐏.𝐈.𝐎.𝐍.𝐒! 🏆

Presenting the winners of #IraniCup 2024 👉 𝐌𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐢! 🏆 👍@IDFCFIRSTBank | @MumbaiCricAssoc pic.twitter.com/rbRhrth0iX

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 5, 2024

Kotian, who scored 64 in the first innings and resumed his innings on 20, remained not out on 114 off 150 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six.

Quick Reads

View All

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new report

PCB bans players from WCL over India-Pakistan match controversy

Knowing the futility of chasing 451 in little over a session, the Rest of India skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad shook hands with his opposite number Ajinkya Rahane, signalling the draw and victory for Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, at the same time.

Kotian, who showed remarkable maturity to steer Mumbai innings after the early departure of Sarfaraz Khan (17) and Shardul Thakur (2), received good support from No. 10 Mohit Avasthi. Mumbai were 171 for seven at that stage.

Avasthi remained unbeaten on 51 off 93 balls, striking four fours and a six, and helped Kotian to add valuable 158 runs for the ninth wicket. Off-spinner Saransh Jain took six wickets (6/121) but his efforts could only delay the inevitable.

I.C.Y.M.I

Saransh Jain led Rest of India's fightback with a vital spell of 6/121 in their second innings 👌👌

Watch 📽️ his brilliant spell 🔽#IraniCup | @IDFCFIRSTBank

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Er0EHGOZKhhttps://t.co/VyAyjSXgv1

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 5, 2024

Mumbai skipper Rahane was understandably delighted. “Winning the trophy after 27 years feel amazing. It was a red-soil wicket. I will like to pick Tanush Kotian for his performances in the previous season and this match.

“The Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup belong to everyone – from the maidan cricketers to everyone playing cricket in Mumbai.” Sarfaraz was adjudged player of the match for his double hundred in Mumbai’s first innings.

“I follow the process well and came into the tournament with practice. You build up experience by playing in different grounds. You get a knowledge on how to play on different pitches.

“I have a lot to learn by being around the Test team and can improve every facet of my game,” said Sarfaraz. Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Nayak lauded the team for the win.

“Congratulations to the Mumbai Team for clinching the Irani Cup! Once again, Mumbai demonstrated an outstanding example of grit and determination,” said Nayak.

Brief scores: Mumbai: 537 all out and 329/8 declared in 78 overs (Tanush Kotian 114 not out, Mohit Avasthi 51 not out, Prithvi Shaw 76; Saransh Jain 6/121) drew Rest of India: 416 all out.

With PTI inputs