Kolkata, Feb 11: Captain Ajinkya Rahane showcased his characteristic resilience with a remarkable century, while pacer Royston Dias made a significant contribution with a five-wicket haul, leading defending champions Mumbai to a convincing 152-run victory against Haryana, thus securing their place in the Ranji Trophy semifinals on Tuesday.
Rahane, who started the day at 88, quickly moved to his 41st first-class century, scoring 108 runs off 180 balls (13 fours), steering Mumbai to an imposing 339 in their second innings, which allowed them to set a target of 353 runs.
In pursuit of 354, Haryana faltered against the skill of left-arm pacer Dias, who achieved his maiden five-wicket haul (5/39) alongside Shardul Thakur (3/26), leading to a total of nine wickets for Dias in the match.
Haryana was dismissed for 201, a stark contrast to Mumbai’s earlier struggles at 65/5 in the first innings.
The 42-time champions will face Vidarbha in the semifinals on February 17, marking a rematch of last season’s final.
“We knew that a target over 300 would be challenging in the fourth innings,” remarked Rahane.
“This wasn’t just my effort; the entire team put in hard work. Even those not playing contributed significantly; it truly is a collective effort.” Rahane started brightly in the first session, hitting two elegant boundaries off Sumit Kumar and Anshul Kamboj to reach 99, before nudging a single towards midwicket to cross the century mark off 160 balls.
The Mumbai stalwart removed his helmet, gazed skyward, and seemed to feel a wave of relief, as this was his first century of the season.
However, after his dismissal, Mumbai’s innings faltered, starting from 278/4. Shivam Dube (44 overnight) fell just short of fifty, and Mumbai lost their last five wickets for a mere 25 runs in under 10 overs.
Anuj Thakral (4/70) was instrumental for Haryana, with Kamboj, Sumit, and Jayant Yadav contributing two wickets each.
Unfortunately, Haryana could not replicate that fighting spirit while chasing. Their only significant partnership came from Lakshay Dalal and Sumit Kumar for the sixth wicket, which yielded 90 runs. Ultimately, they were bowled out in 57.3 overs, despite the play being extended due to favorable light and Haryana losing nine wickets.
The final hour saw Haryana lose their last five wickets, with Dias achieving a career-best 5/39 in 10.3 overs.
“It has taken me nine years to achieve my first five-wicket haul. I have had a few four-wicket performances but never reached five before. Even when I was on four wickets today, I was anxious whether it would happen or not,” said Dias.
He credited the famed Mumbai cricket culture for their inspiring comeback.
“Mumbai cricket is indeed tough and, as we say, ‘Khadus’ cricket. The competition is immense, and you cannot afford to play half-heartedly. I’ve been part of this team for nine years and have to earn every match I play. The competition here is intense,” he added.
Shardul, who took six wickets in the first innings, was the initial breakthrough. Operating from the High Court end, he demonstrated lateral movement on a flat pitch, delivering a solid 10-over spell that read 10-3-26-3.
From the Pavilion end, Dias complemented his efforts, returning figures of 6-2-12-2 in his first spell.
Lakshay, Sumit frustrate Mumbai ======================= Just when it appeared Mumbai would dismiss Haryana swiftly, Lakshay (64 off 130; 9 fours) and Sumit (62 off 96; 10 fours) formed a stubborn partnership, turning the tide against expectations.
On a more accommodating fourth-day pitch, Sumit launched a counterattack, stepping down to Shams Mulani to counteract the spin.
Rahane turned to Dube’s military medium pace; however, Mumbai faced frustration with several misfields yielding easy singles, though the steep target still played in their favor.
Sumit soon recorded his seventh first-class fifty off 72 balls, prompting Rahane’s tactical shift that changed the game’s course.
The breakthrough was made by off-spinner Tanush Kotian, who struck in his very first over, as Lakshay gloved a delivery attempting to cut it from outside off, leading to a close DRS call that confirmed a deflection to the keeper.
Dias continued delivering blows as Rahane’s clever bowling change led to Sumit’s dismissal, effectively sealing the match.
Brief Scores: Mumbai 315 and 339 in 85.3 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 108, Suryakumar Yadav 70, Shivam Dube 48). Haryana 301 and 201 in 57.3 overs (Lakshay Dalal 64, Sumit Kumar 62; Royston Dias 5/39, Shardul Thakur 3/26). Mumbai won by 152 runs. (PTI)
