In a dominant display of cricket, Mumbai thrashed Odisha by an innings and 103 runs in their latest Ranji Trophy encounter, thanks to a sensational five-wicket haul by left-arm spinner Shams Mulani, who finished with 5 for 41. Mulani, along with pacer Himanshu Veer Singh (4-77), bowled out Odisha for just 214, securing a resounding victory after Mumbai had posted a mammoth 602 for 4 (declared) earlier in the match.
The highlight of Mumbai’s imposing first innings came from the bat of Shreyas Iyer, who scored a brilliant 223, while Siddhesh Lad contributed an unbeaten 169* in a partnership worth 354 runs, taking the game well out of Odisha’s reach. Mulani’s match-winning performance capped off a perfect display by Mumbai, who clinched their second consecutive victory in the competition.
Kerala Humiliates Uttar Pradesh with Jaw-Dropping Spin Display
In another crushing defeat, Kerala triumphed by an innings and 117 runs over Uttar Pradesh in Thrissur. After posting 434 in their first innings, led by solid contributions from Salman Nizar (93) and captain Sachin Baby (83*), Kerala took a commanding 223-run lead. Uttar Pradesh, in response, suffered a massive collapse, crashing from 84 for 3 to 116 all-out in just 37.5 overs. Spinner Jalaj Saxena was the chief destroyer, taking 6 for 41 to rip through Uttar Pradesh’s batting order.
Vidarbha Continues Unbeaten Streak with an Innings Victory
Vidarbha continued their perfect start to the season with an innings and 88-run win over Himachal Pradesh in Nagpur. The hosts posted a massive 575 in response to Himachal’s first-innings total of 307, thanks to centuries from Yash Rathod (128) and Dhruv Shorey (125). Himachal Pradesh, in their second innings, were bowled out for 180, with Harsh Dubey’s six-wicket haul setting up another comprehensive victory for Vidarbha, who remain the only team to have won all four of their matches so far.
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Scrape Draws
Karnataka managed to escape with a draw in Bengaluru against Bengal, despite being on the backfoot for most of the match. Bengal declared at 283 for 5, with Sudip Gharami (101*) and Wriddhiman Saha (73) leading the way. However, Karnataka’s middle-order fought hard, with three players making scores of 30+ to help them secure a draw, despite losing two early wickets. Bengal’s first-innings lead of 80 runs ensured they took three points from the game.
In Guwahati, Tamil Nadu salvaged a draw against Assam thanks to an unbeaten century by N Jagadeesan (118*). Despite losing early wickets on the final day, Jagadeesan and Pradosh Ranjan Paul (68*) held firm to see Tamil Nadu to safety. Assam had taken a first-innings lead of 107 runs, which was enough for them to bag three points from the match.
Maharashtra Falls Short Despite Bawne’s Resilience
In a nail-biting finish in Pune, Services handed Maharashtra a 35-run defeat, defending a steep target of 339. Pulkit Narang was the star for Services, picking up a six-wicket haul to dismantle Maharashtra’s middle and lower order. Skipper Ankit Bawne’s fighting 94* and a strong lower-order partnership took Maharashtra close, but Narang’s timely breakthroughs ensured Services’ victory, as they bowled the hosts out for 303.
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Chandigarh and Goa Continue to Dominate
Chandigarh handed Delhi a heavy defeat, chasing down 204 with ease in just 38.3 overs, led by Shivam Bhambri’s unbeaten 100 and Arslan Khan’s 68. Chandigarh’s bowling attack was also effective, with 20-year-old left-arm spinner Nishunk Birla taking 12 wickets in the match to help Chandigarh top Group D.
In the Plate Group, Goa continued their dominant form with an innings and 169-run victory over Mizoram. A sensational 250 from Snehal Kauthankar took Goa to a formidable 555 for 9, and despite Mizoram putting up a fight in the second innings, they were bundled out for just 182, with Mohit Redkar claiming a five-wicket haul.
Nagaland and Manipur Register Comfortable Wins
Nagaland cruised to an innings and 39-run victory over Sikkim in Dimapur. With a solid 347 in their first innings, led by Nischal’s 116, Nagaland then bowled Sikkim out for just 116, thanks to Jagadeesha Suchith’s outstanding 6 for 36.
Manipur, too, triumphed comfortably by 320 runs over Arunachal Pradesh in Ahmedabad. After posting 266, Manipur set Arunachal Pradesh a daunting target of 474, and despite some resistance, they were bowled out for 190, with Ajay Lamabam Singh taking 6 wickets to wrap up the game.
The Ranji Trophy continues to deliver thrilling contests, with several teams showing strong form early in the season. With Mumbai, Kerala, and Vidarbha in commanding positions, the competition for top spots in the groups is shaping up to be intense.