Sarfaraz Khan’s stunning catches headlined Mumbai’s dominant innings-and-222-run victory over Puducherry on the fourth morning of their Ranji Trophy clash at the Wankhede Stadium. Resuming at 231/6, Puducherry lasted only 8.3 overs as Mumbai’s pacers wrapped up the contest with a bonus point, sealing their second consecutive innings win at home. In a match that celebrated the return of red-ball cricket to the historic venue after the 2023-24 final, Sarfaraz Khan’s stunning catches became the talking point of the morning.
Sarfaraz Leads the Fielding Brilliance
The morning session belonged entirely to Sarfaraz Khan’s stunning catches, which played a crucial role in triggering Puducherry’s collapse. His first big moment came when he threw himself to the left to dismiss Siddhant Aadhhathrao, giving Tushar Deshpande his first wicket of the day. The effort encapsulated Sarfaraz Khan’s stunning catches that lifted Mumbai’s intensity in the field.
The second of Sarfaraz’s stunning catches was arguably the best: a remarkable sprint backward from second slip towards short third man to remove skipper Sagar Udeshi. Deshpande benefited again, as the spectacular effort emphasized how Sarfaraz Khan’s stunning catches have become a key component of Mumbai’s fielding setup. Even the final wicket—Jayant Yadav edging behind—featured another clean take, rounding off a morning dominated by Sarfaraz Khan’s stunning catches.
Thakur Praises Team Effort and Tight Schedule
Captain Shardul Thakur, visibly pleased, spent time interacting with fans after the win. He acknowledged that while Mumbai’s pacers were relentless, Sarfaraz Khan’s stunning catches provided the spark that broke Puducherry’s resistance. Thakur added that the team’s rise to the top of the points table ahead of the white-ball leg is a testament to collective discipline. As they transition formats, he emphasized managing workloads in a packed domestic calendar.
With momentum firmly on their side and Sarfaraz’s stunning catches becoming a highlight reel in themselves, Mumbai now head into the limited-overs phase brimming with confidence.
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