League: Cricket
Abhimanyu Easwaran‘s impressive innings of 191 runs came to a frustrating end during the first innings of the Irani Cup 2024 match for Rest of India against Mumbai on Day 4 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, in Lucknow on Friday (October 4).
On the first ball of 101th over, Facing a delivery from Mulani that was tossed up outside the leg stump, Easwaran attempted a sweep shot but misjudged it, resulting in a top edge that was comfortably caught by the fielder stationed at short fine leg. His disappointment was palpable as he hit the ground with his bat in frustration, a gesture reflecting the hard work and focus he had put into his innings. After trudging off to the pavilion, Easwaran took a moment to collect himself, sitting down under an umbrella, visibly distraught at missing out on a double century. Despite the unfortunate dismissal, his 191 runs off 292 balls, including 16 boundaries and a six, showcased a remarkable display of batting prowess.
At lunch on the fourth day Rest of India is currently at 400 for 6, trailing Mumbai by 137 runs. The match has seen notable performances, particularly from Easwaran, who scored a commendable 191 runs off 292 balls, establishing a solid foundation for Rest of India. Alongside him, Dhruv Jurel contributed significantly with a brisk 93 runs off 121 balls, aiding in building a strong partnership. Their efforts have helped Rest of India maintain a steady run rate of 3.84, with the team looking to build on this momentum in the remaining overs.
Mumbai’s first innings was marked by Sarfaraz Khan‘s remarkable double century (222*), which was instrumental in setting a formidable total of 537 runs. Ajinkya Rahane also played a crucial role, narrowly missing a century with his 97 runs. The team’s depth in batting was evident, with several players making significant contributions, including Shreyas Iyer and Tanush Kotian. However, Mukesh Kumar‘s bowling for Rest of India stood out, as he claimed five wickets for 110 runs, posing a constant threat to Mumbai’s batting line-up. As the match progresses towards the second session, the focus remains on how Rest of India can navigate the remaining overs and close the gap.