Mumbai outclass Assam inside two days in Ranji Trophy

Shardul Thakur celebrates his 10-wicket haul on Saturday; (right) Shivam Dube, who top-scored with 121 not out for Mumbai. Pics/Atul Kamble

The bowlers did it again as Mumbai secured their fifth outright win of the season and qualified for the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy, leading Elite Group ‘B' with 37 points.

India pacer Shardul Thakur's 10-wicket haul (6-21 and 4-31) and Shivam Dube's unbeaten 121 (11x4, 5x6) helped the hosts demolish Assam by an innings and 80 runs on Day Two of their encounter at Mumbai Cricket Association's Bandra Kurla Complex ground on Saturday.

Assam, who were bundled out for a mere 84 in the first innings, managed to score just 108 in their second essay. Mumbai-based Sumit Ghadigaonkar (30 not out, 4x4) was the only batsman from the visiting team, who showcased some temperament to counter the hosts' bowling.

When Assam began their second innings before lunch on Saturday, they were trailing by 188 runs. Pacer Mohit Avasthi (2-10) dismissed openers Rahul Hazarika (9) and Parvej Musaraf (5) in the first seven overs. Off-spinner Tanush Kotian (1-5) trapped No. 3 Abhishek Thakuri (16) leg before. All other Assam batsmen struggled to counter Thakur and Tushar Deshpande's (2-37) pace and lost the battle before tea.

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Earlier, Mumbai resumed their innings on an overnight score of 217-6, and managed to add 55 runs with Dube, who was batting on 101 on Friday, remaining unbeaten on 121.

Though Assam suffered a big loss, pacer Dibakar Johri (5-74) had a memorable game as he claimed a fifer on debut, dismissing two Test players - Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane (22) and opener Prithvi Shaw (30).

"I am happy for Shivam and the way he is batting. The role in the team for everyone is, whoever gets set has to go big and Shivam did that for us. He batted really well. The bowlers have been taking 20 wickets consistently, which is a very good sign. You win championships when your bowlers are taking 20 wickets," Rahane told reporters.

Brief scores
Assam 84 & 108 (A Kuraishi 22; S Thakur 4-31, M Avasthi 2-10, T Deshpande 2-37) lost to Mumbai 272 (S Dube 121', S Mulani 31, P Shaw 30; D Johri 5-74, R Singh 2-42) by an innings and 80 runs