The final day of the highly anticipated Irani Cup 2024, clash between Mumbai and the Rest of India (ROI) saw an exceptional display of spin bowling from Saransh Jain. His brilliant spell, which included a fifer, notably dismissed Mumbai’s star batter Sarfaraz Khan in the second innings. Despite his efforts, Mumbai secured their 15th Irani Cup title, their first in 27 years, based on a commanding first-innings lead.

Saransh Jain’s spin magic dismisses Sarfaraz Khan 

The key moment came in the 44th over of Mumbai’s second innings. Saransh, showing his mastery over spin, trapped Sarfaraz in front of the stumps with a deceptive off-break. Sarfaraz, on 17 runs from 36 balls, was looking to defend on the back foot when Saransh’s delivery beat his inside edge. A huge appeal for LBW was initially turned down by the on-field umpire, but a successful review from the Rest of India changed the decision. Ball-tracking technology confirmed three reds, with the ball hitting the top of the middle stump. Sarfaraz was sent back to the pavilion, marking a significant breakthrough for the Rest of India.

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Saransh’s dismissal of Sarfaraz was part of a stellar bowling performance, as the off-spinner took six wickets in the second innings. However, his heroics weren’t enough to change the outcome of the match. Mumbai’s dominance in the first innings had already put them in an unassailable position.

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Mumbai’s commanding first-innings lead

Mumbai’s victory was set up by a towering first-innings total of 537, driven by a sensational double century from Sarfaraz. His 200+ knock was the cornerstone of Mumbai’s batting display, which gave them a substantial 121-run lead. For the Rest of India, pacer Mukesh Kumar stood out, taking five wickets and providing the only real challenge to Mumbai’s batting lineup.

In response, the Rest of India put up a fighting score of 416 in their first innings. The highlight of their innings was an outstanding knock from Abhimanyu Easwaran, who scored 191, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved double century. His contribution kept ROI within striking distance, but the deficit remained significant.

A historic win for Mumbai

In their second innings, Mumbai continued to pile on the runs, finishing with 329 for 8 by the end of play. Tanush Kotian was the star of the innings, scoring a brilliant 114* to keep Mumbai in control. Despite Saransh Jain’s six-wicket haul, including the dismissal of Sarfaraz, the match was drawn as Rest of India didn’t have the opportunity to bat again. However, Mumbai claimed victory by virtue of their first innings lead.

This win marks Mumbai’s 15th Irani Cup title, a significant milestone as they lift the trophy for the first time in 27 years. Sarfaraz, despite his second-innings failure, was named Player of the Match for his outstanding double century in the first innings, which proved decisive in Mumbai’s triumph.

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