Ajinkya Rahane-led Mumbai created history as they ended 27-year-wait to win the Irani Cup. The Ranji Champions defeated the Rest Of India (ROI) on the basis of the first-innings lead. Sarfaraz Khan was the hero for this remarkable win as he stroked a blazing 222* to help the side recover from a miserable situation of 37-3 to post 537 in the first innings. Captain Ajinkya Rahane also made a big impact and played a brilliant innings of 97. Shreyas Iyer's contribution of 57 was vital for the team to post a 500+ total.
ROI in their reply fought hard and posted a score of 416, courtesy of a brilliant 191 by Abhimanyu Easwaran and 93 by Dhruv Jurel. In the second innings, Mumbai scored 329-9, with Tanush Kotian scoring 114, as the match ended as a draw but Mumbai claimed the title via first innings lead.
Mumbai Create History
Mumbai, who had not won the title since the 1997-98 season despite making eight final appearances, claimed the 15th Irani Cup trophy, which is the highest number of titles by any Ranji Team. ROI has won the most number of Irani Cup titles – 30, followed by Mumbai (15) and Karnataka (6).
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Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane lauded the team for the special effort. While Rahane praised Sarfaraz, he did not forget to give Tanush Kotian a special mention for his stunning second-innings hundred. He said the Irani Cup win was equally satisfying as Ranji Trophy victory.
"Special feeling, winning after 27 years feels amazing. We knew before the game we were up against a very good team. We wanted to bat first as it's a red-soil wicket, we play at the Wankhede so we know how it behaves. Every session counts in a five-day game, everyone batted well, Sarfaraz, but want to mention one name – Tanush, last season he was amazing and this game as well," said Rahane at post match presentation.
" It's equally special," said Rahane when asked to choose more satisfying win between Ranji and Irani Cup. "This is the beginning of the season, we wanted to take it as just a game, like a Ranji Trophy game and we wanted to approach it that way. The plus point was everyone played games, some were playing the Buchi Babu, KSCA, club games and credit goes to the support staff, our off-season started in June. As long as I'm playing, I want to set the right example, this trophy belongs to all the Mumbaikars, all the maidaan people, club cricketers, I want to play the game in the right way and be truthful to the game," he added.