On this day in 2016: Mumbai win Ranji Trophy for a record 41st time
41st title. If you are wondering what it is, on 26th February 2016, Ranji Trophy behemoths Mumbai thrashed the Saurashtra side in the final to win the Ranji Trophy title for the 41st time. In fact, such has been the domination of the Mumbai Ranji side, that they have won nearly half of all the Ranji Trophy editions that have taken place thus far.
On the first day of the final, the Mumbai side won the toss and decided to field first. And, the Saurashtra side never really got going with the willow. The Jaydev Shah-led side lost both their openers with just 22 runs on the board. And, their problems were compounded further when their batting stalwart, Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed cheaply for just 4, to leave the side reeling at 36/3.
#OnThisDay in Pune’2016:
Mumbai were crowned Ranji Champions (41st time) beating @saucricket by an innings & 21 runs.@dhawal_kulkarni, @imShard were the ⭐s with SG cherry & @ShreyasIyer15, @siddhesshlad with the ?.Your best Mumbai Cricket memory from Ranji Trophy History? ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z3yax0zN78
— North Stand Gang – Wankhede (@NorthStandGang) February 26, 2020
But then, Arpit Vasavada scored a resolute 77 off 214 deliveries to frustrate the Mumbai bowling attack and lent some respectability to his side. He received adequate support from Prerak Mankad, as the duo put on a crucial 84-run partnership to help their side post a total of 235 runs on the board. Dhawal Kulkarni was the stand out performer with the ball for Mumbai, and scalped 5 wickets, giving away just 42 runs.
Mumbai take the trophy
In reply, the Mumbai side piled up a total of 371 runs on the board. The catalysts of the Mumbai innings with the bat were Shreyas Iyer and Siddhesh Lad. While Iyer scored a fast 117 off 142 deliveries, Lad helped himself to a 101-ball 88, and the duo helped their side to obtain a massive lead of 136 runs in the first innings.
In the second essay, the Saurashtra side folded up meekly. None of the Saurashtra batsmen even managed to get past the 30-run mark in the second innings, and the side was bowled out for just 115, handing Mumbai a victory by an innings and 21 runs. In the second innings, it was Shardul Thakur who wreaked havoc with the ball for Mumbai. The right-arm pacer picked up a five-wicket haul and conceded just 26 runs.
And, the Mumbai side extended their dominance in the Ranji Trophy courtesy a brilliant all-round performance with both bat and ball. Shreyas Iyer won the ‘Man of the Match’ award for his century in the first innings.
