Mumbai: Shreyas Iyer made a strong and timely return to competitive cricket, announcing his comeback with a commanding knock in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy on Tuesday, January 6. Turning out for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh in Jaipur, the Team India ODI vice-captain played a decisive hand, smashing 82 off just 53 deliveries in a reduced 33-overs-a-side contest.
Iyer’s fluent strokeplay anchored Mumbai’s innings and provided the momentum they needed to post a formidable total of 299 for 9. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Mumbai’s batting was lifted by Iyer’s aggressive intent, which kept the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace throughout the innings.
Chasing a stiff target, Himachal Pradesh suffered an early setback as openers Kushal Pal and Innesh Mahajan were both dismissed without scoring. However, the chase was revived through a steady partnership between Pukhraj Mann and Ankush Bains, who brought their side back into contention. Later, Mayank Dagar’s attacking 64 off 47 balls and Amanpreet Singh’s quickfire 42 from 21 deliveries added late drama to the contest.
The match went down to the wire, with Himachal Pradesh needing runs in the final over. Under pressure, Mumbai held their nerve, dismissing the last batter to seal a tense seven-run victory.
With this win, Mumbai strengthened their position in the Elite C group and currently sit second on the points table, having secured five victories from six matches. Himachal Pradesh, meanwhile, remain seventh in the standings with just two wins from six outings.
