Mumbai vs Maharashtra, Elite Group A Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 Mumbai Clinch Victory Over Maharashtra by 9 Wickets

Mumbai claimed a commanding 9-wicket victory over Maharashtra in the Elite Group A clash of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, BKC. The hosts chased down a modest target of 61 runs early on Day 4, finishing at 75/1 in just 13.3 overs, securing their first win of the season.

Day 4: Mumbai’s Dominant Finish

Resuming the day at 13/0, Mumbai needed just 61 more runs to win. Opener Prithvi Shaw, who had a quiet first innings, made sure there were no hiccups, smashing 39* off 36 balls, laced with 5 boundaries. His partner, Ayush Mhatre, who had a sensational first-innings 176, was dismissed for 15 after edging a delivery from Satyajeet Bachhav to Sachin Dhas. However, Hardik Tamore (21*) partnered with Shaw to guide Mumbai to victory with ease.

Day 3: Gaikwad’s Heroics in Vain

Maharashtra’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, played a valiant knock of 145 in their second innings, trying to reduce Mumbai’s massive 315-run first-innings lead. Alongside Ankit Bawne, who contributed a steady 101, the two stitched a 151-run partnership for the third wicket. Despite their efforts, Maharashtra’s middle and lower order faltered under pressure. Mohit Avasthi (3/65) and Shams Mulani (3/155) chipped in with crucial wickets to dismiss Maharashtra for 388, setting Mumbai a simple chase of 61.

Day 2: Mumbai’s Batting Prowess

Mumbai built their victory on a powerful batting performance in the first innings. After dismissing Maharashtra for a paltry 126 on Day 1, they posted 441, thanks to standout innings from Ayush Mhatre (176) and Shreyas Iyer (142). Hitesh Walunj’s 6-wicket haul (6/134) offered some resistance, but Maharashtra still found themselves trailing by 315 runs.

Day 1: Maharashtra Collapse

Maharashtra’s decision to bat first backfired, as Shardul Thakur (2/51) and Mohit Avasthi (3/31) wrecked their top order. They were bundled out for a mere 126, with only Nikhil Naik (38) and Azim Kazi (36*) offering some fight. Shams Mulani’s tight spell (3/7) further exposed Maharashtra’s fragile lineup.

Mumbai’s Early Season Success

With this win, Mumbai opened their 2024-25 Ranji Trophy campaign on a strong note. Maharashtra, despite some brilliant individual performances from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ankit Bawne, will look to regroup for their next match after being thoroughly outplayed in this encounter.

Match Summary:

• Maharashtra 1st Innings: 126 all out (31.4 overs)

  • Top Scorers: Nikhil Naik 38 (32), Azim Kazi 36* (79)
  • Best Bowlers: Mohit Avasthi 3/31, Shams Mulani 3/7

• Mumbai 1st Innings: 441 all out (103.1 overs)

  • Top Scorers: Ayush Mhatre 176 (232), Shreyas Iyer 142 (190)
  • Best Bowlers: Hitesh Walunj 6/134, Pradeep Dadhe 2/76

• Maharashtra 2nd Innings: 388 all out (106.3 overs)

  • Top Scorers: Ruturaj Gaikwad 145 (171), Ankit Bawne 101 (152)
  • Best Bowlers: Mohit Avasthi 3/65, Shams Mulani 3/155

• Mumbai 2nd Innings: 75/1 (13.3 overs)

  • Top Scorers: Prithvi Shaw 39* (36), Hardik Tamore 21* (26)
  • Best Bowlers: Satyajeet Bachhav 1/40

Result: Mumbai won by 9 wickets.

With a balanced mix of experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, and Shardul Thakur, Mumbai continues to assert their dominance in domestic cricket.