Srinagar: J&K dominated Day 1 Ranji Trophy match vs star studded Mumbai side that was filled with current Team India stars at the MCA-BKC ground on Thursday.
J&K after bundling out Mumbai for paltry total of 120 runs in first innings , then went on to end Day 1 on 174/7 with a first inning lead of 54 runs. At the moment J&K thanks to brilliant performance from pace trio of Umar Nazir, Yudhvir Singh and Aquib Nabi followed by terrific batting performance from ever dependable Shubham Khajuria who scored fifty and quickfire knock from Abid Mushtaq and decent debut from Yawer Hassan, are in driver’s seat.
At the start of the match, all eyes were on India captain Rohit Sharma, who returned to domestic cricket after nearly 12 years, but lasted for very little time, mistiming a pull shot off Umar Nazir.
After deciding to bat first Mumbai got bundled out for 120 after visiting fast bowlers Nazir (4/41) and Yudhvir Singh (4/31) and Aquib Nabi made the most of the early morning conditions.
While Auqib Nabi drew the first blood, trapping Jaiswal leg-before inside the first three overs of the day, Nazir and Yudhvir tightened the noose with regular wickets.
Despite having stars in its ranks – including Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube – Mumbai was struggling at 47 for 7 at one stage, before Shardul Thakur (51, 57b, 5×4, 2×6) and Tanush Kotian forged a 63-run stand for the eighth wicket. Shardul was finally picked by Aquib Nabi.
By the end of the day’s play, Mumbai somewhat managed to crawl back into the game as J&K were at 174 for 7, despite a fifty by Shubham Khajuria. Making use of an early reprieve, Khajuria ensured a smooth sailing for J&K before seasoned spinner Shams Mulani cleaned him up and triggered a middle-order collapse.
Pacer Mohit Avasthi claimed three wickets before captain Dogra and Abid Mushtaq helped the visitor take the lead. Even though Mushtaq fell at the fag end, Dogra stood firm and ensured there weren’t further slip-ups.