Mumbai finished the opening day of the Irani Trophy with a strong 237 for 4, having rallied from a hazardous position courtesy of half-centuries from Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Sarfaraz Khan. Join Bet Pro Exchange for the latest cricket news.
Mumbai's middle order persevered through early strikes from Mukesh Kumar, which contributed to the team's poor start and ensured the squad ended the day strong.
Due to poor light, just 68 overs could be played, but Rahane and Sarfaraz led Mumbai's comeback.
Mumbai was called to bat first by the Rest of India, and their innings started on a difficult note. Mukesh Kumar caused early problems with his fast and accurate bowling.
He got rid of opener Prithvi Shaw for just four runs in his opening over. Shaw eased one towards the second slip, where Devdutt Padikkal caught it without any trouble.
Mukesh swiftly followed suit, removing Hardik Tamore for a duck after only two balls, leaving Mumbai struggling at 5 for 2.
Ayush Mhatre tried to steady the innings as Mumbai struggled, but his efforts were short-lived as Mukesh returned in his second stint.
Mumbai's problems were made worse when Mhatre was sent off for 19. He was 37 for 3. Mumbai was under total control of the proceedings, with the rest of India seemingly under complete control. Follow Bet Pro Exchange for cricket news.
The captain of Mumbai, Ajinkya Rahane, resisted, though. Rahane started rebuilding the innings alongside Shreyas Iyer.
The pair gave the Mumbai innings much-needed steadiness by adding 102 runs for the fourth wicket.
Iyer scored 57 runs with a calm and aggressive knock before Yash Dayal removed him from the game. His assistance was crucial in elevating Mumbai's standing following the early setback. Betpro exchange login for cricket news.
Rahane continued to play a responsible innings, displaying his leadership and expertise.
Mumbai could get past its early problems because of his calm knock, which prevented them from losing any more early wickets.
Sarfaraz Khan, who played a brutal knock and finished the match undefeated, provided Rahane with solid assistance. Follow betpro exchange login for the latest cricket news.
As the day went on, the pair helped Mumbai get into a much better position by scoring 98 runs for the fifth wicket.
When bad light forced the decision to call stumps, Rahane was undefeated on 86 from 197 balls, with six boundaries and one six.
Maintaining his strong form from his domestic cricket career, Sarfaraz Khan was 54 not out after hitting six boundaries while at the crease. Thanks to the alliance between the two, Mumbai was ahead heading into the second day.
The only negative aspect of the Mumbai team's performance was the absence of all-round player Musheer Khan, who was sidelined due to a neck fracture sustained in an automobile accident outside Lucknow. Although his absence was a blow, the middle order filled in admirably when called upon.
Even though Mukesh Kumar bowled exceptionally well (3 for 60), Mumbai won the day with Rahane and Sarfaraz's solid score.
Mumbai will build on this foundation and strive for a dominant score in the coming days with two set hitters at the crease.
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