By Gaurav Gupta
Posted On Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 02:49:05 PM
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Mumbai spinner Iqbal Abdulla (second from left) celebrates with teammates after dismissing Himachal’s Sarandeep Singh (not in pic) at the BKC ground in Mumbai on Friday
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Mumbai: After last season’s Ranji triumph, Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer had told TOI that there was a paucity of emerging talent in Mumbai. “We just don’t have anyone of quality as back-up. The search has to begin quickly,” the former India opener had said, raising a worrying thought in between the celebrations.
After leading Mumbai to a 85-run win over Himachal Pradesh at the Bandra Kurla Complex ground on Friday, Jaffer must be having second thoughts about his statement.
At least as far as the spin department is concerned.
Consider this: At one stage on Day 1 of their Ranji Elite league encounter against Himachal, Mumbai — having been been packed off for 162 in their first innings — seemed heading for a sound thrashing, as their opponents raced to 79 without loss. There was no Ramesh Powar to fall back upon as crisis loomed. From there on, two 17-year-old left-arm spinners — one of them making his first-class debut, shaped a fightback that changed the complexion of the game completely. They took eight wickets between them to restrict the visitors to 246.
Ajit Agarkar’s gutsy hundred and a bold declaration then put the onus again on Iqbal Abdulla and Harmeet Singh to bowl out Himachal for less than 252 on the final day. The duo came out trumps yet again, with three wickets each to bowl out the opponents for 166 and pocket a memorable win for the domestic giants. The defending champs thus collected five points. (TNN)
Photo: TOI |