Rain Slows Mumbai’s March to Victory as Chhattisgarh Collapse in Ranji Trophy Clash
Rain once again played spoilsport in the Ranji Trophy 2025 clash between Mumbai and Chhattisgarh, halting the home side’s progress towards claiming full points at the Wankhede Stadium. On a rain-hit Day 3, Mumbai’s spinners took control of the game after Chhattisgarh’s bright start, leaving the visitors reeling at 175 for 6, still trailing by 240 runs.
After losing the first one and a half hours to unseasonal showers, Mumbai were bowled out for 416, adding only ten runs to their overnight total. The Chhattisgarh openers, Ayush Pandey (50) and Shashank Chandrakar (43), got off to a flying start, putting up 85 runs for the first wicket and frustrating Mumbai’s attack.
However, the momentum quickly shifted once the spinners found their rhythm. Offspinner Himanshu Singh provided the breakthrough, dismissing Ayush Pandey with a sharp turner that found the edge and carried to Angkrish Raghuvanshi at silly point. Himanshu soon struck again, removing Shashank Chandrakar, who gloved a ball to leg slip.
With both openers gone, Mumbai’s spin trio went on the attack. Youngster Musheer Khan trapped Sanjeet Desai and captain Amandeep Khaire in quick succession, while left-arm spinner Shams Mulani removed Ashutosh Singh (34) and Ajay Mandal, tightening the screws further.
At 175 for 6, Chhattisgarh’s early promise faded as the pitch began to show signs of uneven bounce and turn. The rain returned in the evening, forcing an early close of play. When stumps were drawn, Shashank Singh (20)* and Aditya Sarwate were at the crease, battling to reduce the deficit.
Mumbai, led by Mulani’s disciplined spin attack, will eye a quick finish on the final day to secure maximum points and maintain their strong position in the Ranji Trophy standings.