In an extraordinary performance during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, Mumbai’s Shardul Thakur etched his name into the record books by achieving a remarkable hat-trick against Meghalaya. This incredible achievement not only added another feather to Thakur’s cap but also highlighted an astonishing collapse by the Meghalaya cricket team. Here’s everything you need to know about Thakur’s record-breaking moment and the dramatic turn of events in this Ranji Trophy clash.
Shardul Thakur’s Hat-Trick Stuns Meghalaya
In a thrilling encounter at the BKC Ground, Mumbai’s Shardul Thakur achieved a rare hat-trick in the third over of the match. He dismissed Balchander Anirudh, Sumit Kumar, and Jaskirat Singh in consecutive deliveries, leaving Meghalaya reeling. Thakur’s stunning feat made him the fifth Mumbai bowler to take a Ranji Trophy hat-trick, joining a select group of legends who have accomplished this rare milestone.
This was also the second hat-trick of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, with Himachal Pradesh’s Rishi Dhawan having achieved a similar feat earlier in the competition. The hat-trick helped set the tone for an eventual collapse by Meghalaya, who were left struggling to recover.
A Debilitating Collapse: Meghalaya’s Struggle
Following Thakur’s devastating hat-trick, the situation for Meghalaya worsened dramatically. In the very next over, Mohit Avasthi joined the attack and sent Arpit Bhatewara back to the pavilion, reducing Meghalaya to a precarious 2/6. This collapse marked the lowest score in Ranji Trophy history after the fall of the sixth wicket, leaving the team in disarray.
Meghalaya’s 2/6 score became infamous not just in the context of the Ranji Trophy but also in the history of first-class cricket. This collapse was the second-lowest score ever in first-class cricket history, trailing only Marylebone Cricket Club’s 0/6 against Surrey at Lord’s in 1872.
Shardul Thakur and the Historic Hat-Trick List
Thakur’s achievement puts him in illustrious company with Mumbai’s best bowlers. He became the fifth bowler from Mumbai to take a Ranji Trophy hat-trick. The list of Mumbai bowlers with hat-tricks in the competition includes:
- Jehangir Behramji Khot (Bombay) vs Baroda – 1943-44
- Umesh Narayan Kulkarni (Bombay) vs Gujarat – 1963-64
- Abdul Moosabhoy Ismail (Bombay) vs Saurashtra – 1973-74
- Royston Harold Dias (Mumbai) vs Bihar – 2023-24
- Shardul Thakur (Mumbai) vs Meghalaya – 2024-25
These names have solidified Mumbai’s reputation as a breeding ground for some of the finest fast-bowlers in Indian cricket history.
Meghalaya’s Fightback and Final Total
Despite the early collapse, Meghalaya showed resilience in the form of a 38-run partnership between Pringsang and Akash Kumar, which allowed them to avoid further humiliation. However, they were eventually bundled out for just 86 runs in 24.3 overs, marking a dismal total that left them with little hope of a comeback.
This total, while devastating, still kept them a step ahead of the lowest total in Ranji Trophy history—Hyderabad’s infamous 21 all-out against Rajasthan in 2010. With the final blow delivered by Mumbai’s bowlers, Meghalaya’s total became a cautionary tale of the consequences of underestimating the opposition’s attack.
Mumbai’s Dominance in the Match
Shardul Thakur finished with exceptional figures of 4/43, playing a crucial role in dismantling Meghalaya’s batting line-up. Mohit Avasthi also impressed with the ball, picking up 3/27. Meanwhile, Sylvester Dsouza and Shams Mulani contributed with two and one wicket, respectively, further showcasing Mumbai’s bowling strength.
With such a dominant performance, Mumbai is in a strong position to secure a win, and they are now poised to earn a bonus point in this encounter. The absence of key players like Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal—who were part of Mumbai’s shocking loss to Jammu and Kashmir—did not deter the team, highlighting the depth of talent available in their squad.
What’s Next for Mumbai and Meghalaya?
With the victory likely in Mumbai’s grasp, they will look to build momentum as they progress in the tournament. The team is still reeling from their surprise defeat to Jammu and Kashmir, but performances like this one from Thakur and the rest of the bowling attack are sure to boost their morale. Meanwhile, Meghalaya will need to regroup and reassess their strategy if they are to avoid further humiliating defeats in the future.
Conclusion
Shardul Thakur’s stunning hat-trick in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments in recent cricket. His remarkable feat against Meghalaya, coupled with the team’s dramatic collapse, has made this match one for the record books. As Mumbai continues to dominate with their strong bowling attack, all eyes will be on the next round of matches to see how the team builds on this commanding performance.
For now, Thakur’s hat-trick serves as a reminder of the raw power and skill that the Mumbai bowlers bring to the table in the prestigious Ranji Trophy competition.
