Pulwama, Jan 25: The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) cricket team achieved a 5-wicket victory over defending champions Mumbai at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Bandra Kurla Complex, cementing their top position in Elite Group A of the Ranji Trophy.
This victory marks only the second time J&K has defeated Mumbai in Ranji Trophy history, the first being in the 2014-15 season at Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai, the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history having 42 titles, faltered despite their wealth of experience. After conceding an 86-run deficit in the first innings, Mumbai managed to post 290 in their second innings, setting J&K a target of 205 runs.
J&K chased it down on day three with five wickets in hand. Mumbai’s second innings initially showed promise as international star Rohit Sharma, returning to Ranji cricket after nearly a decade, scored 28 off 35 balls. However, his dismissal by Yudhvir Singh sparked a collapse. Yashasvi Jaiswal added 26 runs, but middle-order stalwarts Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer failed to deliver. Pacers Auqib Nabi, Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh wreaked havoc, reducing Mumbai to 101 for 7.
Shardul Thakur’s brilliant 119 off 135 balls, supported by Tanush Kotian’s 62, helped Mumbai set a challenging target. J&K’s chase was anchored by opener Shubham Khajuria, who scored 45, with solid contributions from Yawer Hassan and Vivrant Sharma. Abid Mushtaq’s quickfire 32 and wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan’s steady presence ensured J&K’s smooth victory.
Mumbai struggled in the first innings, collapsing for 120 as Nazir and Yudhvir shared eight wickets. J&K capitalized by scoring 206 and securing a crucial lead. Mumbai scored 120 and 290 in their first and second innings, respectively, while J&K scored 206 and 207 in their two innings.
This win extends J&K’s dream run this season, with victories over Services, Meghalaya, and Tripura. They now prepare to face Baroda on January 3. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lauded the team for their incredible performance. “What a brilliant achievement by the J&K Ranji Trophy team. To defeat the defending champions & that too in their own backyard is a memorable achievement. I send my congratulations to the players, the management & support staff. We are all very proud of you,” Omar Abdullah posted on X. Former international cricketer Irfan Pathan also praised the team’s performance. “What a great win J&K cricket vs champion Mumbai side. It always makes me smile to see their growth on the cricket field,” he posted on X.
