Mukesh Kumar delivered a stellar performance for Rest of India on the third day of the Irani Cup 2024-25 match against Mumbai at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The pacer claimed a remarkable five-wicket haul, his first in the prestigious Irani Cup and his eighth overall in First-Class cricket.
Kumar’s dominance started early on Day 1, as he struck in the first session to dismantle Mumbai’s top order. He dismissed Prithvi Shaw (4) and Hardik Tamore (0) in the same over, showcasing his lethal pace and accuracy. He then followed up by removing debutant Ayush Mhatre for 19 runs.
On Day 2, Kumar continued his relentless assault, knocking over the off-stump of Shams Mulani for 5 runs, further putting pressure on Mumbai’s batting lineup. Finally, he claimed his fifth wicket by dismissing Juned Khan, completing his impressive five-wicket haul and contributing significantly to Rest of India’s strong performance.
Kumar’s bowling figures of 5/110 in his 30 overs were a testament to his exceptional control and ability to consistently threaten the Mumbai batsmen. His outstanding performance highlighted his prowess and potential, making him a key player for Rest of India in their bid for victory in the Irani Cup.