Sunil roul

Ranji Trophy Elite Group: Shams Mulani’s perseverance paid off as he delivered back-to-back five-wicket hauls, leading Mumbai to a commanding innings and 103-run victory over Odisha. This win secured a crucial bonus point for the defending champions in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A clash at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground.

After a 21-innings wait for his 15th five-wicket haul in First-Class cricket, Mulani’s breakthrough set the tone for Mumbai's dominance. On the fourth morning, Odisha resumed with five wickets remaining but crumbled within 119 minutes as Mulani’s clinical 5-71 dismantled the lower order. Mumbai’s bonus point, obtained through their sizable innings victory, strengthens their standing after an inconsistent start to the season.

Odisha’s Kartik Biswal (45 not out off 77 balls) put up a gritty fight, adding crucial runs alongside the lower order. He showcased solid technique, handling Mumbai’s spinners Mulani and Himanshu Singh with maturity and timing several boundaries off left-arm pacer Royston Dias. However, the day belonged to Mulani. He made an immediate impact, striking with his very first ball of the day to dismiss Aashirwad Swain (51) LBW, who had just reached a half-century.