Mumbai Tightens Noose Around Himachal in Ranji Trophy Thriller

Mumbai came into the fourth-round Ranji Trophy clash at the MCA-BKC ground keen to regain momentum after two disappointing draws. With 446 on the board, the home side aimed to turn pressure into a decisive outright win in Group D against Himachal Pradesh. At tea, Himachal was 18 for three, and Mumbai’s bowlers had already set the tone for the day. Fast bowler Tushar Deshpande and captain Shardul Thakur reduced the visitors to 18 for three, before off-spinner Himanshu Singh tightened the noose further, taking three quick wickets to leave Himachal facing a long chase. While the surface offered some turn, Mumbai’s attack looked relentless and precise.

Mulani’s 69 off 122 balls, featuring his 21st first-class fifty, anchored Mumbai’s middle order as the hosts resumed at 289 for five and pushed the total to 446. Siddhesh Lad, who had carried an overnight 100, added 27 more before falling to Mayank Dagar for 127, as Dagar finished with four for 111. Mulani and Deshpande then stepped up again to keep Himachal on the back foot, with the hosts looking to press home their advantage. Lad praised Mulani, saying, “He is the crisis man of Mumbai. Whenever the team needs him, he steps up.” He added that while there is competition for India A spots, Mulani has earned his place on merit, leaving the rest to the selectors.

If Mumbai can capitalise on this strong first-innings lead, they will push for a comfortable margin and potentially a bonus, tightening their grip on the group and keeping the momentum going into the second innings. The challenge for Himachal is significant, but in cricket, a autumn spell can still turn the game around, and the visitors will look for resilience with the bat to force a competitive total.

Cover image source: RANJI TROPHY | Bengal in charge after running roughshod on an abject Railways 🔗

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