Day 2 of the Irani Cup 2024–25 is under way. Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane and Sarfaraz Khan returned to the field together following the first innings, which ended with a score of 237/4 overnight versus Rest of India. Rahane had already reached 86 at Stumps on the first day of play, and he was planning to reach the three-figure milestone early the following day.
That, however, did not quite transpire as Rahane returned home just three runs short of a century after ROI pacer Yash Dayal broke into his house before the festivities even started. Rahane did, however, play the captain’s knock after Mumbai had once been reduced to 37 for 3.
The Ashwi-born KD player did form some noteworthy partnerships during his time at the crease. The first one saw him score 102 runs with Shreyas Iyer, who also produced a respectable 57 off 84. Sarfaraz later joined the well-established batsman for a partnership of 131 runs, but Dayal eventually had Rahane caught behind the wickets by Dhruv Jurel. Jurel had taken five wickets in the innings thus far, and this was his third catch.
Watch Ajinkya Rahane’s dismissal here:
Ajinkya Rahane misses out on his 100!
He walks back for 97. A brilliant innings under pressure
A very good review from Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co. as Yash Dayal breaks the 131-run stand
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It is noteworthy to note that the veteran batter did not appear hurried to score runs under duress; instead, he was cautious throughout his innings. Throughout his 234 balls faced, he hit a maximum and 10 boundaries during his half-century. Rahane will, however, be looking for an even stronger performance in the second innings and will make a compelling case for another Indian comeback.
Sarfaraz wants a big win.
Regarding Sarfaraz Khan, the Mumbaikers’ sixth hitter has been playing sensationally well. His greatest asset has always been consistency, at least on the home circuit, and he carried on with his successful streak. On Day 2, the 26-year-old returned to his batting and scored 54 off 88 balls. He is on track to reach yet another century.
Sarfaraz is batting on 76 at the time the piece is written, but he will want assistance from the other end to advance his cause.
Also Read: Irani Cup 2024 Day 1 Review: Rahane, Iyer, and Sarfaraz fifties keep Mumbai steady
Vice-captain Shams Mulani quickly followed Rahane’s lead and was trapped by a ripper from Mukesh Kumar, becoming the seamer’s fourth victim. Meanwhile, Mumbai has lost six of its wickets. Right now, Sarfaraz is in the middle with Tanush Kotian.
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