SRINAGAR — Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, recovered on Day 2 of their Elite Group in a clash against Jammu and Kashmir, overcoming an 86-run first-innings deficit to end with a 188-run lead and three wickets in hand, with Shardul Thakur and Tanush Kotian forming a crucial partnership on Friday.
The second day started with Jammu and Kashmir being bowled out for 206, extending their lead.
Shubham Khajuria was the top-scorer with 53 runs while Abid Mushtaq also contributed 44 runs. Mumbai’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, with Shams Mulani and Tushar Deshpande picking up key wickets. Despite their efforts, Jammu and Kashmir managed to take a significant first-inning advantage.
As per the news agency KNO, Mumbai’s top order struggled again. Rohit Sharma, dismissed for 28, failed to capitalize after managing just three in the first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube fell cheaply for the second time in the match.
Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh were the key bowlers for Jammu and Kashmir, causing problems with accurate and disciplined spells. Nazir finished with 4-41, while Yudhvir claimed 4-31.
Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal added to Mumbai’s woes after a controversial moment earlier in his innings. Iyer was given not out despite a clear edge to the keeper, as confirmed by replays. However, he was dismissed soon after by Auqib Nabi, who also dismissed Shivam Dube in the same over. By lunch, Mumbai were struggling at 86-5, with the scores level.
Shardul Thakur and Tanush Kotian then rescued Mumbai from a precarious position. Coming together at 101-7, the pair batted with resilience, putting on an unbeaten 173-run partnership. Thakur, who had scored a vital 51 in the first innings, once again led the fightback. Kotian provided strong support, ensuring that Mumbai stayed in the game.
Jammu and Kashmir had begun the match on a high note, bowling out Mumbai for 120 on Day 1. Nazir and Yudhvir were the stand-out performers, exploiting helpful conditions. Mumbai’s struggles continued into the second innings, but the late partnership between Thakur and Kotian shifted the momentum.
The match saw its share of drama, with the umpiring decision involving Iyer drawing attention. Without the Decision Review System (DRS) available in the group stage, Jammu and Kashmir were left frustrated by the missed opportunity. Despite the setback, they continued to push for wickets, reducing Mumbai to a precarious position before the recovery began.
With two days remaining, the match remains finely balanced. Mumbai will look to extend their lead further on Day 3, while Jammu and Kashmir will aim to break the Thakur-Kotian stand quickly and keep their target manageable.
