Mumbai clinch first Irani Cup title since 1997-98

Mumbai scripted history as they secured their first Irani Cup title since 1997-98, when a team led by Sanjay Manjrekar pipped Rest of India (RoI) in Mumbai. The match in Lucknow ended in a draw, but Mumbai won the title courtesy of their first-inning lead. They played the Irani Cup on eight previous occasions since they won the title last, but finished second best every time. 

This was also their 15th Irani Cup title overall. The match was brilliantly set up by Sarfaraz Khan's unbeaten 222 in the first innings and other useful contributions from Ajinkya Rahane (97), Shreyas Iyer (57), Tanush Kotian (64) and Shardul Thakur (36). 

In reply, RoI looked in a good position to take the lead, but they collapsed from 393/4 to 416 all out in a span of 10 overs despite a superb 191 by Abhimanyu Easwaran. With the first-inning lead secured, all Mumbai had to do was not to get bundled out cheaply, that would have allow RoI to get back into the game. 

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side had a slight opening when they reduced Mumbai to 125/6, but that's when Kotian came in and calmed his side's nerves with a brilliant 114*. He put on an unbeaten 158-run stand for the ninth wicket with Mohit Avasthi (51*) - a record ninth wicket stand in the Irani Cup.

Looking back at the previous time Mumbai won the Irani Cup, Jatin Paranjape starred with a century, while Amol Muzumdar (97), Wasim Jaffer (83), and Sairaj Bahutule (71) chipped in with fifties.

Leg-spinner Bahutule bowled superbly as well, picking up 11 wickets in the match, including a career-best 8/71 in the fourth innings to bowl Mumbai to a 54-run victory.

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