Jammu and Kashmir created a historic moment in the Ranji Trophy by defeating the star-studded Mumbai team by five wickets in a thrilling Group A league match. This remarkable victory not only highlighted the team’s exceptional performance but also brought them closer to confirming their place in the knockout stage. It was after nearly a decade that Jammu and Kashmir managed to triumph over the 42-time champions, with their last win against Mumbai dating back to December 2014 at Wankhede Stadium.

A Monumental Upset Against a Star-Studded Lineup

Mumbai’s lineup boasted cricketing giants such as India Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, former captain Ajinkya Rahane, IPL-winning captain Shreyas Iyer, young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal, seasoned all-rounder Shardul Thakur, and off-spinner Tanush Kotian. However, their collective experience and skill could not prevent this shocking defeat.

Rohit Sharma’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after a decade turned out to be underwhelming, as he managed only 31 runs across two innings. His struggle at the crease highlighted his lack of form and readiness for the longer format of the game.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Road to Victory

Jammu and Kashmir’s victory was built on a combination of disciplined bowling and crucial partnerships. Chasing a target of 205 runs, opener Shubham Khajuria (45) and one-down batter Vivrant Sharma (38) laid a solid foundation with a 75-run partnership for the second wicket.

Abdul Samad’s quickfire 24 off 20 balls kept the momentum going, while Abid Mushtaq (32 not out) sealed the win with a display of clean hitting. Mushtaq smashed two towering sixes off Tanush Kotian, including the match-winning shot, to spark jubilant celebrations in the Jammu and Kashmir dugout.

Mumbai’s Struggles with Bat and Ball

Mumbai’s performance in the first innings proved to be their undoing, as they were bundled out for a paltry 120 runs. Despite Shardul Thakur’s heroic century (119) in the second innings, Mumbai could only set a modest target of 205.

Jammu and Kashmir’s medium pacers, Yudhvir Singh (7 wickets), Umar Nazir Mir (6 wickets), and Auqib Nabi (6 wickets), dominated the Mumbai batting lineup, taking 19 out of 20 wickets on a pitch that initially offered assistance to bowlers.

On the final day, Mumbai’s bowlers, including Shams Mulani (4/54), failed to capitalize on the conditions. Shardul Thakur and Mohit Avasthi struggled to make an impact, and the team conceded 25 boundaries and three sixes, which proved costly in defending a small total.

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Key Partnerships That Sealed the Match

Jammu and Kashmir’s chase was defined by two crucial partnerships. The first was the 75-run stand between Khajuria and Vivrant Sharma. The second, a 48-run unbeaten partnership for the sixth wicket between Abid Mushtaq and Kanhaiya Wadhawan (19 not out), ensured there were no late hiccups.

Even as the Mumbai camp tried to stage a comeback, their bowling lacked the sharpness needed to trouble the confident Jammu and Kashmir batters.

Significance of the Win

This victory not only boosted Jammu and Kashmir’s points tally to 29 from six games but also placed them at the top of Group A. With one match remaining against Baroda, they require just a single point to secure their place in the knockout stage.

Baroda, with 27 points from five games, is currently playing Maharashtra. If Baroda secures a first-innings lead against Jammu and Kashmir in their final match, Mumbai (22 points from six games) will be eliminated from the group stage, even if they secure a bonus-point win against Meghalaya.

Jammu and Kashmir’s triumph over Mumbai is a testament to their resilience and determination. The team showcased a perfect blend of youth and experience, proving that they can compete against the best in Indian domestic cricket.

With the knockout stage within reach, Jammu and Kashmir have a golden opportunity to continue their dream run in the Ranji Trophy and etch their name in cricketing history.

Brief Scores:

• Mumbai: 120 and 290 (Shardul Thakur 119, Tanush Kotian 62; Auqib Nabi 4/80, Yudhvir Singh 3/63)
• Jammu and Kashmir: 206 and 207/5 (Shubham Khajuria 45, Vivrant Sharma 38, Abid Mushtaq 32 not out; Shams Mulani 4/54)

Result: Jammu and Kashmir won by five wickets.
Points: Jammu and Kashmir 6; Mumbai 0.