Ranji Trophy: Shams Mulani's 7 Wickets Lead Mumbai To Win Over J&K, Delhi Secure 3 Points Vs Hyderabad

Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani spun a web around Jammu and Kashmir, claiming a seven-wicket haul to guide Mumbai to a 35-run win in an exciting Group D opener of the Ranji Trophy on Saturday.

Chasing 243 for victory, Jammu and Kashmir needed 222 runs on the final day but were bundled out for 207 in 64.4 overs, thanks to Mulani’s brilliance. The all-rounder, who had earlier scored 91 in Mumbai’s first innings, returned with figures of 7/46 — his 17th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket — once again proving to be Mumbai’s ‘go-to’ man with both bat and ball.

For the hosts, opener Qamran Iqbal (56) and skipper Paras Dogra (29) stitched a 53-run partnership that briefly raised hopes, taking the score to 84/2. However, once Mulani breached Dogra’s

defence and off-spinner Tanush Kotian dismissed IPL regular Abdul Samad (15) with a return catch, J&K’s resistance faded.

Mulani continued to wreak havoc, removing Iqbal as his third scalp to leave the hosts reeling at 131/6. From there, Mumbai tightened their grip, with Mulani striking at regular intervals to seal six crucial points for his side.

Delhi Pick Up 3 Points

Delhi skipper Ayush Badoni starred with figures of 6/73, while spinner Arpit Rana took 3/23 as Delhi secured three points against Hyderabad.

Resuming on 400/7, Hyderabad’s innings ended quickly at 411, with Badoni and Rana cleaning up the tail in no time. Already 118 runs ahead and assured of three points, Delhi reached 138/3 in their second innings when play was called off after 42 overs. Sanat Sangwan remained unbeaten on 56.

Brief Scores:

In Srinagar: Mumbai 386 and 181. J&K 325 and 207 (Qamran Iqbal 56, Shams Mulani 7/46). Points: Mumbai 6. J&K 0.

In Hyderabad: Delhi 529/4 declared and 138/3; 42 overs (Sanat Sangwan 56 not out). Hyderabad 411 (Tanmay Agarwal 132, Ayush Badoni 6/73). Points: Delhi 3. Hyderabad 1.

In Puducherry: HP 305 and 91/4. Puducherry 183. Points: HP 3. Puducherry 1.

In Rajsamand: Chhattisgarh 332 and 109 (Manav Suthar 8/42). Rajasthan 386 and 56/1. Points: Rajasthan 6. Chhattisgarh 0.

(With PTI Inputs)