Irani Cup 2024-25: Mumbai advantage over Rest of India, as Abhimanyu Easwaran bangs selector doors

Abhimanyu Easwaran continued his onslaught from Day 3, but missed out his double century by a whisker on the fourth day of the Irani Cup 2024-25, where Ranji champions Mumbai are fighting for the ultimate title against Rest Of India. His overnight partner Dhruv Jurel did get to his half-century, scoring briskly, but he too missed out on a milestone hundred, again undone by Mulani. None of the remaining batters could add significantly, as ROI were bundled out for 416 in the afternoon session.

Spin duo of Mulani and Tanush Kotian picked three wickets each, while ace pacer Mohit Avasthi added a couple to his tally. The youngster Mohammad Juned Khan got the better of opposition skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad as his solitary scalp, however, a hospital-discharged Shardul Thakur could bowl only four overs, and ended unsuccessful in joining the wicket-takers' party in the innings.

Mumbai came out to bat with a 121-run lead, and opener Prithvi Shaw seemed in sublime touch right from the word 'go'. In a scintillating display of batsmanship, Shaw reached his fifty off just 37 balls, studded with eight fours and a huge hit. However, none of the Mumbai batters could replicate what Shaw did, as his partner Ayush Mhatre (14 off 18), Hardik Tamore (7 off 26) were dismissed cheaply. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane (9 off 27) and star batter Shreyas Iyer (8 off 12) too failed miserably.

Also Read: Irani Cup 2024: Prithvi Shaw scores quickfire fifty against Rest of India

Seasoned spinner Saransh Jain wreaked havoc in the middle, bagging four wickets in no time. The left-arm orthodox of Manav Suthar also partnered Jain well, contributing with a couple of wickets, including that of Tamore and Rahane. The well-set Shaw was sent back by 76 off 105 deliveries. Currently, double centurion from first innings Sarfaraz Khan and Kotian are at the crease, and are trying to maximize the target for the opposition, as they have the first innings' lead anyways.

The final day promises a lot, and the fans would be eagerly watching the thrilling contest, that determines the winner of this premier domestic competition.