Ranji Trophy: Shardul Thakur floors Meghalaya with sensational hat-trick
What's the story
Indian cricketer Shardul Thakur has made a mark in the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Meghalaya.
He claimed his maiden First-Class hat-trick on Day 1 at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Mumbai won the toss and asked Meghalaya to bat.
This is a must-win match for Mumbai, who are on the verge of being knocked out from this year's competition.
Here are further details.
Hat-trick details
Thakur's hat-trick stuns Meghalaya in Ranji Trophy
Thakur's hat-trick unfolded in the third over, dismissing B Anirudh, Sumit Kumar, and Jaskirat on consecutive deliveries, all without scoring.
The pacer also managed to dismiss Meghalaya's opener Nishanta Chakravarty, taking his tally to 4 wickets in the match.
Notably, Thakur is only the fifth bowler from Mumbai to record a hat-trick in Ranji Trophy history.
Knockout prospects
Mumbai's knockout hopes hinge on Ranji Trophy match
Currently third in Group A, Mumbai need an innings or 10-wicket win in the ongoing match to secure a bonus point.
Meanwhile, this would put them level with J&K at 29 points, with Baroda just behind at 27 points.
To keep their knockout hopes alive, Mumbai would be hoping that either J&K or Baroda do not get more than a point from their final-round clash in Vadodara.
Currently, after 20 overs, Meghalaya are reeling with a score of 51/8.
Stats
A look at pacer's First-Class cricket numbers with the ball
With his maiden hat-trick, Thakur has added another feather to his already impressive stat sheet.
The pacer currently has bagged 283 scalps across 90 matches (159 innings) while averaging just over 28.
Notably, he boasts an economy rate of over three-plus, while also recording one ten-wicket haul, and 14 four and five-wicket hauls.
Additionally, his best bowling figure in an innings reads 7/61, while his best match figure stands at 10/52.
Overall, 31 of his wickets have come for India.
Information
Shardul has shone in ongoing Ranji season
In the ongoing Ranji Trophy campaign, Shardul owns 20 wickets currently. This was his 2nd four-wicket haul this season. In addition, he has also scored 297 runs, including a century and two half-centuries (seven matches).