Tanush Kotian’s gritty unbeaten hundred laced Mumbai’s 15th Irani Cup victory, which was sealed by virtue of their first innings lead over Rest Of India.
Mumbai’s last Irani Cup victory came 27 years ago during the 1997-98 season and since then the domestic powerhouse appeared in eight more finals without success, the last of which was in the 2015-16 season.
Mumbai, who started the final day from overnight 153/6, declared their second innings at 329/8 for an overall leadof 450 runs.
Kotian, who scored 64 in the first innings and resumed his innings on 20, remained not out on 114 off 150 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six.
Knowing the futility of chasing 451 in little over a session, the Rest of India skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad shook hands with his opposite number Ajinkya Rahane, signalling the draw and victory for Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions.
Mumbai skipper Rahane was understandably delighted. “Winning the trophy after 27 years feels amazing. The Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup belong to everyone — from the maidan cricketers to everyone playing cricket in Mumbai.”
Sarfaraz Khan was adjudged Player of the Match for his double hundred in Mumbai’s first innings.
Brief scores: Mumbai 537 & 329/8 decl. (Tanush Kotian 114 not out, Mohit Avasthi 51 not out; Saransh Jain 6/121). Rest of India 416 all out. Match drawn (Mumbai winners by virtue of first innings lead).
