Jammu & Kashmir stun Mumbai in Ranji Trophy; Shubman Gill’s century falls short for Punjab

Defending champions Mumbai faced a shocking five-wicket defeat at home against Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) in their latest Ranji Trophy clash on Saturday. This marked J&K’s second historic victory over Mumbai, with their last win dating back to the 2014-15 season. Despite boasting a lineup filled with six capped Indian players, Mumbai struggled to perform as a team, while J&K capitalized on the opportunity to script a memorable triumph.

Mumbai’s Shardul Thakur delivered a standout performance, scoring an unbeaten 113 while batting in the lower order. Partnering with Tanush Kotian, who contributed an impressive 58*, Thakur added 173 runs for the eighth wicket. Their effort helped Mumbai recover from a precarious position and secure a 188-run lead.

However, J&K chased down the 205-run target with ease, sealing a remarkable win. Mumbai’s top-order batters, including seasoned stars Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Ajinkya Rahane, struggled to find form. Rohit managed a brisk 28 off 35 balls in the second innings, hitting two fours and three sixes, but his dismissal ended any hopes of a revival. Yashasvi Jaiswal, another promising name, had a forgettable outing, scoring just 4 and 26 across two innings.

J&K’s performance underscored the growing competitiveness in this season’s Ranji Trophy. The team’s ability to rise against a star-studded Mumbai lineup showcased their potential and resilience. This victory adds to their reputation as a side capable of pulling off major upsets in domestic cricket.

In another match, Indian Test opener Shubman Gill played a valiant knock for Punjab against Karnataka, scoring a century in the second innings. However, his efforts were not enough to save his team from a crushing defeat.

Punjab was bowled out for a dismal 55 in their first innings, while Karnataka amassed a commanding 420 runs. Despite Gill’s fighting century in the second innings, Punjab could only manage 213 runs, losing by an innings and 207 runs. The heavy defeat highlighted Punjab’s struggles with the bat, barring Gill’s exceptional performance.