Meghalaya record second-worst start in First-Class cricket: 2/6 vs Mumbai
What's the story
Meghalaya have registered the second-worst start in First-Class cricket history, according to Wisden.
The team slumped to 2/6 against Mumbai during the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy game at the Bandra-Kurla Complex.
Notably, Shardul Thakur did the damage by taking a historic hat-trick.
This is a must-win match for Mumbai, who are on the verge of being knocked out from this year's competition.
Bowling prowess
Shardul leads charge with historic hat-trick
Home skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to field first.
The decision paid off as Shardul and Mohit Avasthi struck in their first overs, leaving Meghalaya reeling at 1/2.
Thakur then completed a hat-trick in the third over by dismissing B Anirudh, Sumit Kumar, and Jaskirat Sachdeva with three consecutive balls. This feat is achieved only by four others for Mumbai in First-Class cricket.
Struggle
Meghalaya bowled out for 86
Meghalaya's woes didn't end in the fourth over as Avasthi picked another wicket off his first ball, leaving them in shambles at 2/6.
Although Meghalaya recovered a little to 24/6, they were bundled out for 86 in 24.3 overs.
Shardul and Avasthi shared seven wickets, while the Meghalaya innings saw as many as five batters recording ducks.
Information
Maiden FC hat-trick for Shardul
Shardul has claimed his maiden hat-trick in First-Class cricket. As mentioned, he has become only the fifth bowler from Mumbai to record a hat-trick in Ranji Trophy history.
Match dynamics
Mumbai shine despite missing marquee players
Despite missing four national stars from Mumbai's line-up, the team's strategy didn't change.
Shivam Dube was called up to Team India's T20I side as Rinku Singh's replacement due to injury, while Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer were also unavailable due to upcoming ODI series and Champions Trophy commitments.
However, this didn't stop Mumbai from dominating the match.