Mumbai spinner Shams Mulani delivered a memorable performance on the fourth day of the ongoing Irani Cup, leaving a significant impact on the match between Ranji champions Mumbai and Rest of India. With just two crucial wickets, Mulani shifted the momentum, breaking the hearts of Abhimanyu Easwaran and Dhruv Jurel, who were both on the verge of monumental individual milestones.
The match, being played at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, saw Rest of India recovering from a difficult start thanks to the stellar innings of both Easwaran and Jurel. However, their efforts were cut short by Mulani’s brilliant bowling, as he removed both batters within just 7 deliveries, changing the course of the game.
The Battle: Easwaran and Jurel’s Dream Innings
The day began with Rest of India resuming their innings, chasing a mammoth first-innings score of 537 posted by Mumbai, thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s double century. By the third day, Rest of India found hope in the form of vice-captain Abhimanyu Easwaran and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who batted brilliantly to keep their team in the hunt.
Easwaran, an experienced campaigner with 26 centuries in first-class cricket, played with grace and patience. He stayed unbeaten on 151 at the end of the third day, and Jurel supported him well, finishing the day on 30 runs. With both of them eyeing personal milestones, the duo took Rest of India’s score closer to the 400-run mark.
On the fourth day, Jurel shifted gears, playing more aggressively and reaching his half-century. His innings seemed destined for a century as he powered on, while Easwaran inched closer to his double hundred. At 190, Easwaran appeared set to reach a milestone, and Jurel stood just 7 runs away from his ton at 93.
Mulani Strikes: The Turning Point
It was at this crucial moment that Shams Mulani stepped up. The left-arm spinner had been persistent in his line and length throughout the innings. As Jurel attempted a risky sweep shot to accelerate the innings, Mulani’s delivery got him caught by the wicketkeeper. Jurel was dismissed for 93 runs off 121 balls, missing his well-deserved century by just 7 runs.
But Mulani wasn’t done yet. In his very next over, the Mumbai spinner struck again. This time, it was Easwaran who misjudged a sweep, and the ball found its way to the fielder at short leg. Easwaran’s incredible knock of 191 came to an end, leaving him heartbroken just 9 runs short of a double century.
These two crucial wickets within a span of 7 balls not only brought an abrupt end to the Rest of India innings but also limited their total to 416 runs. Mulani’s game-changing spell ensured Mumbai remained in control of the match.
Who is Shams Mulani?
For those unfamiliar with the name, Shams Mulani is a left-arm orthodox spinner who has been a key part of the Mumbai Ranji team for the past few years. The 27-year-old has consistently performed at the domestic level and played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s success in the last Ranji Trophy season. He took 35 wickets in 9 matches last season and also contributed with the bat, scoring a half-century in the final.
In his first-class career, Mulani has taken 190 wickets in 41 matches, proving his mettle as a reliable all-rounder for Mumbai. His performance in the Irani Cup, particularly the back-to-back dismissals of Easwaran and Jurel, shows why he remains a crucial player for his team.
