Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Mumbai secures second consecutive innings victory despite Himachal Pradesh’s resistance
Himachal Pradesh delayed the inevitable, taking its Group D Ranji Trophy fixture into the second session on the final day, but Mumbai eventually secured its second consecutive bonus-point win, defeating the home side by an innings and 97 runs at the Luhnu Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
Trailing by 388 runs, Himachal needed something special to make a contest of it. Captain Pukhraj Mann (50, 126b, 6×4) and Vaibhav Kalta (63, 169b, 10×4) offered resistance with fighting half-centuries, but Mumbai’s experienced attack eventually shut the door, bowling the home side out for 291.
With little assistance from the surface, Mumbai’s bowlers had to work for their wickets. Mohit Avasthi led the way with a five-for 44, while left-arm spinner Shams Mulani chipped in with timely breakthroughs to prevent Himachal from building a serious challenge.
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Resuming at 144 for three, Mann and Kalta refused to give in. The pair added 85 runs for the fourth wicket, bringing up their respective half-centuries and forcing Mumbai to dig deep. Tushar Deshpande finally broke the stand by dismissing Mann, giving the visitor the opening it needed.
Kalta remained unfazed by the mounting pressure, showing patience and resolve to prolong the contest before Avasthi trapped him leg before. His gritty knock took Himachal into the post-lunch session, but Mumbai’s bowlers stayed disciplined in the heat, refusing to let the game drift.
Himachal showed greater resolve in its second innings, but the deficit proved too steep to overcome. Avasthi maintained a relentless line and length as Mumbai chipped away patiently, took the remaining wickets and secured seven points for its second consecutive bonus-point win, despite the lack of assistance from the surface.
The home side, meanwhile, slumped to its second consecutive defeat, leaving it at the bottom of the Group D points table.
Published on Oct 21, 2026
