The Rest of India (ROI) are still in the game despite losing their last 4 wickets for just 16 runs in 6 overs. The chance to win the Irani Cup 2024 is very much in Ruturaj Gaikwad’s team’s grasp. At the end of the fourth day of play in Lucknow, Mumbai are still leading by 274 runs but have lost 6 wickets. Off-spinner Saransh Jain was the star for ROI, taking four wickets, including the prized scalps of Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer.
Mumbai seemed off-kilter. Shaw gave them a good start with his 76 off 105 balls, but no other batter crossed the 20-run mark. The only good thing for the 14-time champions is that Sarfaraz Khan, who scored an imperious unbeaten 222 in the first inning, is at the crease.
Sarfaraz Khan to fight for Mumbai
His partner Tanush Kotian is no mug with the bat, averaging over 40 in first-class cricket. Along with him, Sarfaraz would look to bat in the first session on the last day of the Irani Cup 2024 and ensure that Mumbai won’t lose the match. Mind you, they gained a 121-run lead after the first innings and if the match is drawn, they’ll win the cup.
Mumbai have lost the last 8 finals they have played, and they’ll give it their all to finally win the Irani Cup after 27 years. Sarfaraz was already struggling with his fitness in the last session, but for his team, he’ll have to motor along. Mind you, Shardul Thakur isn’t at his peak fitness, having spent the night in the hospital. Sarfaraz Khan will have to give his all and ensure Mumbai crosses the line.
Irani Cup: Brief Scores
Mumbai 1st innings: 537/10 (Sarfaraz Khan 222, Mukesh Kumar 110/5)
Rest of India 1st innings: 416/10 (Abhimanyu Easwaran 191, Tanush Kotian 101/3)
Mumbai 2nd innings: 153/6 (Prithvi Shaw 76, Saransh Jain 67/4)
