Tanush Kotian’s century helps Mumbai win 15th Irani Cup after 27 years

Tanush Kotian’s unbeaten century helped Mumbai register their 15th win in the Irani Cup on the basis of first innings lead over Rest of India on the fifth and final day in Lucknow on Saturday. Mumbai’s last Irani Cup win was 27 years ago in the 1997-98 season and since then the domestic powerhouse has made eight more finals without success and the last of these was in the 2015-16 season. Mumbai resumed on the final day at a score of 153/6 overnight and declared the second innings at 329/8, taking a total lead of 450 runs.

Kotian, who scored 64 in the first innings and resumed his innings on 20, remained unbeaten on 114 off 150 balls, which included 10 fours and a six.

Realising the futility of chasing 451, Rest of India captain Ruturaj Gaikwad joined hands with his opposite number Ajinkya Rahane, also signalling a draw and victory for Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai.

Kotian, who showed remarkable maturity to handle the Mumbai innings after Sarfaraz Khan (17) and Shardul Thakur (2) fell early, got good support from No. 10 Mohit Avasthi.

Mumbai were 171 for seven at the time.

Awasthi remained unbeaten on 51 off 93 balls with four fours and a six and helped Kotian add 158 runs for the ninth wicket.

Off-spinner Saransh Jain took six wickets (6/121), but his efforts avoided the inevitable.

Mumbai captain Rahane was naturally delighted. “It’s amazing to win the trophy after 27 years. It was a red soil wicket. I would love to pick Tanush Kotian for his performance last season and in this match.

“The Ranji Trophy and the Irani Cup belong to everyone – from the field cricketers to everyone who plays cricket in Mumbai.” Sarfraz was named Player of the Match for his double century in Mumbai’s first innings.

“I follow the process well and have come into the tournament with practice. You gain experience by playing in different grounds. You get the knowledge of playing on different pitches.

“Being with the Test team, I have a lot to learn and I can improve every aspect of my game,” Sarfraz said.

Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Nayak lauded the team for the win.

Nayak said, “Congratulations to the Mumbai team for winning the Irani Cup! Once again, Mumbai set a great example of grit and determination.” Brief scores: Mumbai: 537 all out and 329/8 declared in 78 overs (Tanush Kotian 114 not out, Mohit Awasthi 51 not out, Prithvi Shaw 76; Saransh Jain 6/21) Rest of India: 416 all out.