A stunning catch from Sarfaraz Khan helped Mumbai break a 167-run partnership and turn the match on ite head in the final hour as the 42-time champions defeated Railways by 106 runs in their Ranji Trophy Group D clash on Thursday.
Railways were firmly in the contest for much of the final day, thanks to centuries from opener Eshaan Goyal (103) and No. 7 batter Zubair Ali (115). The pair had kept Mumbai waiting for 156 minutes, facing 212 balls and adding 167 runs for the sixth wicket. However, Sarfaraz’s effort in the field opened the door for Mumbai, who picked up their fourth outright win of the season to finish the first round with 27 points.
Sarfaraz, who had earlier effected a run-out and dropped a catch, produced the moment that changed the game. Goyal attempted a sweep against Musheer Khan (3/42) but got a top edge. Standing at first slip, Sarfaraz covered the ground towards leg slip, dived full length and completed the catch to end the partnership.
The India batter celebrated by running hard and throwing his arm in the air, with his effort even prompting the physio to come onto the field.
Mumbai then struck twice more to put the result beyond Railways. India all-rounder Suryansh Shedge ran several yards to his left from mid-off to dismiss Zubair off Musheer, before Tanush Kotian (2/93) took a one-handed catch at short midwicket to remove the eighth batter. Railways were eventually bowled out for 265, with the collapse coming in a frantic final hour after the drinks break.
The day had begun with Mumbai adding 60 runs to their overnight lead and setting Railways a target of 372. Divyaansh Saxena, who was unbeaten overnight, remained not out on 100 off 136 balls, hitting eight fours and a six.
Railways’ chase got off to a difficult start as Shams Mulani (4/69) picked up three wickets and Sarfaraz effected a run-out to leave them at 83/5. Goyal and Zubair then joined forces and appeared to have taken the game towards a draw before Mumbai’s late fightback.
Mumbai captain Siddesh Lad admitted that the possibility of a draw had crossed their minds, given the team’s previous experience in the Irani Cup.
“That (a draw) was always on the back of mind, because we had won the first innings and we have bad memories of CCI; we had lost the Irani Trophy on the last day of the match,” Lad told reporters.
Mumbai finished the first round with 27 points, the highest tally among all teams. However, Lad said the team was not looking to be satisfied with its performance so far.
“Last two seasons (also), we did really well in the league stage. But we don’t want to be satisfied with what we have done in the first four games. We have a long journey ahead and we want to do something special — add something to the legacy of Mumbai this season,” he said.
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