Ajinkya Rahane Shows Class; Shines With Gritty Ton Against Haryana In Ranji Trophy Clash

Ajinkya Rahane smashed a patient ton off 160 balls against Haryana [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane showcased his class and resilience with a patient and resilient century off 160 deliveries on Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 quarter-final between Mumbai and Haryana, steering his team to a dominant position at Eden Gardens. 

The veteran batter’s knock, laced with 13 boundaries, anchored Mumbai’s second innings to lead with a mammoth total in Session 1 of Day 4. Walking in at 48/2 after Mumbai lost openers Ayush Mhatre and Akash Anand early, Rahane stabilized the innings with a cautious yet authoritative approach. 

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Rahane Leads Mumbai's Charge With Resilient Knock

Ajinkya Rahane forged a crucial 129-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav, who played a counterattacking role, smashing eight fours and two sixes. Rahane’s composure stood out as he rotated strike deftly while punishing loose deliveries, notably targeting spinners Jayant Yadav and Nishant Sindhu.

After Yadav’s dismissal at 229/4, Rahane found an aggressive ally in Shivam Dube, with the duo adding 85 runs in 124 balls. 

Mumbai Takes Charge At Eden Gardens

Earlier, Mumbai posted 315 in their first innings, courtesy of Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian, while Haryana replied with 301, driven by skipper Ankit Kumar’s 136. With the game finely balanced, Rahane’s second-innings heroics tilted the momentum decisively in Mumbai’s favour.

Haryana’s attack lacked penetration on a flattening Eden Gardens track. Pacers Anshul Kamboj and Sumit Kumar toiled without success, while spinner Anuj Thakral claimed key wickets but leaked runs. Jayant Yadav’s lone breakthrough came too late to disrupt Mumbai’s charge.

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