Mumbai Tightens Grip on Himachal in Ranji Trophy Thriller
Mumbai Tightens Grip on Himachal in Ranji Trophy Thriller
Mumbai's bowlers surge as Lad and Mulani push the lead with a strong first innings, setting the tone against Himachal Pr in a Ranji Trophy clash at MCA-BKC.
In a bid to bounce back after back-to-back draws, Mumbai pressed for an outright win in their Ranji Trophy fourth-round clash against Himachal Pradesh at the MCA-BKC ground. The home side dominated the day, clawing back control as Himachal were rolled for 94 for seven after Mumbai posted a substantial 446 on the board. A bright surface offered turn, and Mumbai’s bowling unit seized the moment.
Off-spinner Himanshu Singh struck early to tighten the clamps, taking three quick wickets after fast bowlers Tushar Deshpande and captain Shardul Thakur had already left Himachal reeling at 18 for three by tea. The combination of pace and spin left the visitors with a herculean task to salvage the innings, and Mumbai looked keen to press for a big lead.
At the forefront of Mumbai’s batting, Siddhesh Lad reached a masterful century before being dismissed for 127, adding to Mulani’s 69 off 122 balls and his 21st First-Class fifty. Mulani’s vigil continued after Lad’s departure, as the hosts extended their advantage with a partnership that underscored Mumbai’s intent to dominate the innings. Mulani and Deshpande repeatedly struck when needed, showing the depth in Mumbai’s line-up.
Mulani, described by Lad as the “crisis man” for Mumbai, proved his value once again with a crucial innings that steadied the ship and propelled Mumbai to a commanding position. The reserve of firepower across Mumbai’s bowling and batting line-up leaves Himachal facing a difficult chase in the second innings, with the onus on the visitors to stay in the match.
With Himachal’s top order faltering and Mumbai bolstering their lead, the question now turns to how quickly the visitors can respond. If Mumbai maintains this intensity, the campaign could regain momentum, and a decisive result seems well within reach as the game progresses into the second innings.
Cover image source: RANJI TROPHY | Bengal in charge after running roughshod on an abject Railways 🔗
