RANJI TROPHY 2025-26 - DAY 1: Lad’s ton, Mulani’s stand steady Mumbai at SK Stadium in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 15: The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season got underway in style at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday, as Jammu and Kashmir hosted domestic powerhouse Mumbai.

Mumbai recovered from a shaky start to post 336 for 5 at stumps on Day 1, riding on Siddhesh Lad’s polished 116 and Shams Mulani’s unbeaten 79.

After the J&K captain opted to field, local pacer Auqib Nabi gave the hosts the perfect start, removing opener Musheer Khan for a duck in the very first over with a delivery that shaped away late. Auqib bowled with rhythm and discipline throughout, finishing with 1 for 43 in 19 overs, including seven maidens, and earning praise from both teammates and the crowd.

Mumbai’s top order struggled to settle as Yudhvir Singh bowled an inspired spell, dismissing Ayush Mhatre (28 off 55) and Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 66), both caught behind by wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan. Mhatre had looked promising early on, playing some crisp drives, but edged a good-length delivery from Yudhvir Singh that seamed away. Rahane, too, appeared composed before Yudhvir Singh produced a perfect outswinger that took the outside edge to Wadhawan, leaving Mumbai reeling at 74 for 3.

Sarfaraz Khan (42 off 48) tried to lift the innings, adding 67 runs with Lad for the fourth wicket. However, just when the partnership began to flourish, Sarfaraz was run out in the 40th over after a sharp throw caught him short of the crease, a blow that left Mumbai at 141 for 4.

From there, Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani produced a rescue act that defined the day. The duo stitched together a crucial 159-run stand for the fifth wicket, blunting the J&K bowlers with calm, calculated batting. Lad, known for his compact technique, struck 17 boundaries and 3 sixes in his 156-ball 116, blending solid defence with classy stroke play. His innings anchored Mumbai’s recovery and steadied their innings against sustained pressure.

Lad’s fine knock ended in the 70th over when he danced down the track to Abid Mushtaq, missed the line, and was smartly stumped by Wadhawan. Mulani, meanwhile, remained unbeaten on 79 off 125 balls with eight fours and a six, showing remarkable composure and patience to guide Mumbai through the late afternoon session.

For J&K, Yudhvir Singh finished with 2 for 82, while Abid Mushtaq (1/73) provided crucial breakthroughs.

The day also had a lively interlude during the lunch break when J&K pacer Umran Malik, not part of the playing XI for the first match against Mumbai, was seen bowling on the practice pitch. His brief session drew cheers from spectators, who chanted “bowl 150!” as he sent down a few brisk deliveries, sparking excitement about his potential return in the next match.

As the sun dipped, Mumbai ended the opening day. The hosts will look to strike early on Day 2 to limit Mumbai to below 400 and stay within reach on a pitch that’s expected to quicken up under morning conditions.