Mumbai Seize Control on Day 2 Against Himachal Pradesh
Mumbai firmly positioned themselves for a decisive victory against Himachal Pradesh on the second day of their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 encounter at the Sharad Pawar BKC ground. After posting a formidable first-innings total of 446, the Mumbai bowlers, led by off-spinner Himanshu Singh, wreaked havoc, reducing the visitors to a precarious 94 for 7 at stumps on Sunday, November 9.
Himanshu Singh's Breakthrough Spell
The day belonged to the 22-year-old Himanshu Singh, who delivered his best bowling performance of the season. Finishing the day with impressive figures of 3 for 26 from eight overs, he dismantled HP's middle order. On a pitch offering variable bounce, the off-spinner, who models his action on Indian great Ravichandran Ashwin, first broke a dangerous 41-run partnership by trapping the set batsman Pukhraj Mann leg-before for 44.
Growing in confidence, Himanshu repeated the mode of dismissal to send back Mayank Dagar and capped off his superb spell by taking the wicket of Aryaman Dhaliwal. His ability to impart overspin and extract bounce proved too much for the HP batters to handle.
New Ball Duo Sets the Stage
While Himanshu grabbed the headlines, the foundation for the collapse was laid by the new ball pair of captain Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande. With just 30 minutes to go for tea, the duo operated in perfect rhythm, maintaining a probing line outside off stump.
Tushar Deshpande, fresh from a valuable contribution with the bat, bowled what was arguably his best spell of the season. Generating movement and steep bounce, he accounted for the key wickets of Ankit Kalsi and HP captain Ankush Bains. At the other end, Shardul Thakur provided excellent support, dismissing opener Sidhant Purohit lbw for just 1 to give Mumbai an early breakthrough.
Mulani's All-Round Contribution
The day began with Mumbai extending their innings beyond the 400-mark, thanks to a crucial 75-run stand for the ninth wicket between Shams Mulani and Tushar Deshpande. This partnership frustrated the HP bowlers after the hosts had been 370 for 8.
Mulani, who already has two five-wicket hauls this season, showcased his batting prowess. A key feature of his 34-run innings was his adept use of the reverse sweep against the left-arm spinners, highlighting the lack of turn on the surface. With the ball, he played a perfect containing role, taking 1 for 12 in 11 overs to complement Himanshu's wicket-taking spree.
Overnight batter Siddesh Lad was dismissed for a well-made 127, while Akash Anand added 34 to the total.
With HP still 352 runs behind and staring at a follow-on, Mumbai are in the driver's seat to secure a full six points from this fixture.
Brief Scores: Mumbai 446 all out in 137.2 overs (Siddesh Lad 127, Shams Mulani 34; Akash Anand 34) vs Himachal Pradesh 94/7 in 37 overs (Pukhraj Mann 44; Himanshu Singh 3/26, Tushar Deshpande 2/21).
