Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Hundreds from Lad, Akash, Mulani put Mumbai beyond Meghalaya’s reach

Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Hundreds from Lad, Akash, Mulani put Mumbai beyond Meghalaya’s reach

It was a run feast for Mumbai as it rode on centuries from Siddhesh Lad, Akash Anand and Shams Mulani to post 671 for 7 (decl.) and pile up a massive 585-run first-innings lead in its last group league fixture of the Ranji Trophy against Meghalaya.

Though captain Ajinkya Rahane missed out on his first century of the season, falling four runs short, the Mumbai batters had a field day at the MCA-BKC ground on Friday as they made the most of a listless Meghalaya bowling line-up.

While it was a maiden First-Class ton for both Anand (103, 151b, 15×4) and Mulani (100 n.o., 86b, 16×4), Lad (145, 250b, 17×4, 1×6) brought up his second century of the season as he attacked the bowlers from the beginning to keep the opponent under pressure.

Resuming at 213 for 2, both Rahane and Lad looked set to score centuries before the former edged one behind to wicketkeeper Arpit Subhas off Mohammed Nafees after being troubled on a few occasions.

Even as the 196-run partnership ended, a calm and composed Lad ensured that there weren’t any slip-ups, rebuilding the innings with a crucial 87-run stand with Anand.

Coming into the game after a nearly month-long injury lay-off due to a wrist fracture, not once did Anand look uncomfortable. Playing his second match of his maiden season, he settled in quickly and kept the Meghalaya bowlers on their toes.

Even though Lad fell, chipping straight into the hands of Kishan Lyngdoh at short mid-wicket off a Anish Charak delivery, Mumbai cruised with some handy contributions by Shardul Thakur (84) and Suryansh Shedge (61), before Mulani reached the three-digit mark.

With none of the Meghalaya bowlers making an impact, it was a walk in the park for the Mumbai batters, who ensured that the team took a giant leap towards a big win to ensure qualification for the quarterfinals.

After being bundled out for 86 in the first essay, Meghalaya ended the day at 27 for 2 as Shardul claimed two early wickets to put Mumbai in the driver’s seat.