Ranji Trophy: Tanush Kotian takes career-best 8-81 as Mumbai secure third bonus point win

Mumbai: Off-spinner Tanush Kotian produced a career-best 8-81 and an impressive match haul of 11-151 as Mumbai crushed Haryana by 10 wickets on the fourth and final day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D clash at the MCA ground.The win gave Mumbai their third successive bonus-point victory of the season, marking their best start in a long time. They now have 21 points from three matches - the most among all teams in the Ranji Trophy - and sit atop their group, firmly placed on the road to the knockouts.Mumbai will next take on Railways at the Brabourne Stadium at the Cricket Club of India from November 2-5.The match will remain special for Kotian, who was playing his 50th first-class game. He marked the occasion with his first 10-wicket match haul and his fourth five-wicket haul.Chasing a modest target of 97, Mumbai openers Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Divyaansh Saxena completed the job in just 10.4 overs. Raghuvanshi, riding high after scoring his maiden first-class century in the first innings, smashed an unbeaten 67 off 39 balls. Saxena, who had struggled in his previous two innings, made a confidence-boosting 30 not out off 25 balls.The final day, however, was not entirely straightforward for Mumbai. Haryana's eighth-wicket pair of Samant Jakhar and Anuj Thakral made the hosts toil on a slow surface, adding 81 runs over nearly two hours.Kotian eventually broke the stand by bowling Jakhar. Haryana, who had resumed on 73-2, still 87 runs behind after following on, were bowled out for 256 in the second session.Reflecting on Mumbai's strong start to the season, Kotian said, "As a team, we've worked well. It's very difficult to get a third victory with a bonus point. Everyone is backing each other and giving confidence. We're trying to contribute together. If the team goal is going well, we want to keep moving forward like this."Brief scores: Mumbai 430 & 97-0 (Raghuvanshi 67*). Haryana 270 & (following-on) 256 (Kotian 8-81) Mumbai won by 10 wickets. Points: Mumbai 7, Haryana 0.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.