Fri Jan 24 05:30:00 UTC 2025: ## J&K Pacer Nazir Bags Rohit Sharma’s Wicket in Stunning Ranji Trophy Upset
**Mumbai, India** – Jammu and Kashmir pulled off a major upset on the first day of their Ranji Trophy clash against Mumbai, thanks to a stellar bowling performance spearheaded by Umar Nazir. Nazir, a 31-year-old pacer, claimed the prized wicket of India captain Rohit Sharma for just 3 runs, describing it as “the best wicket of my career.”
Sharma’s dismissal, a leading edge to short cover mirroring a similar dismissal in the recent MCG Test, highlighted a poor start for the Mumbai team. His innings lasted only 19 balls. Mumbai’s decision to bat first, a strategy explained by Shardul Thakur as an attempt to exploit spin later in the day, backfired spectacularly as the pitch, offering bounce and early moisture, proved highly favorable to the J&K bowlers.
Nazir wasn’t finished there, adding the wickets of Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube to his tally, finishing the day with four wickets. J&K ultimately ended the day with a commanding 54-run lead and three wickets remaining. Mumbai, bowled out for a paltry 120 runs, will be hoping for a significant turnaround on day two.
Despite the setback, Thakur defended the team’s decision to bat first, stating that the team anticipated the moisture disappearing quickly. Experts, however, pointed out that Sharma’s poor form may be linked to a tendency to play too straight when out of form, making him vulnerable to edges.
While Rohit will be disappointed with his performance, he will have another opportunity to shine on Saturday when conditions are expected to be more favorable. The match continues Friday.
First Piper 