Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Umar Nazir Mir showcased a remarkable performance in the Ranji Trophy clash against Mumbai, leaving a star-studded batting lineup reeling. The 31-year-old pacer, known for his height and ability to generate bounce, delivered a spell that saw him dismiss Indian captain Rohit Sharma and experienced batter Ajinkya Rahane.
Dismissing Rohit Sharma with a Brilliant Delivery
Mir made an early breakthrough by sending Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion for just three runs. Using a sharp, short-pitched delivery, Mir induced a leading edge that was comfortably taken by J&K skipper Paras Dogra at mid-off. Rohit’s dismissal came as a disappointment for fans who had gathered to watch him in action during his return to domestic cricket.
Rohit opened the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, a pairing familiar from the Indian Test team. However, the young opener also failed to make an impact, falling leg-before for four runs to Auqib Nabi, another J&K pacer who made the most of the wicket’s freshness at the BKC Ground.
Breaking Mumbai’s Backbone
Umar Nazir Mir wasn’t finished after Rohit’s dismissal. He bowled Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane for 12 with a delivery that jagged back sharply, leaving the Mumbai team in deeper trouble. Shivam Dube’s innings was even shorter, as he fell for a duck, caught by Kanhaiya Wadhawan off Mir’s bowling.
Mir’s fiery spell, combined with Nabi’s early breakthrough, completely derailed Mumbai’s batting lineup, overshadowing the much-anticipated performances of Rohit and Rahane.
A Rising Star from Jammu and Kashmir
Standing tall at 6’4”, Umar Nazir Mir has been a vital part of the Jammu and Kashmir team since his first-class debut in 2013. Over his career, he has taken 138 wickets in 57 first-class matches. He has also contributed significantly in other formats, claiming 54 wickets in List A and 32 in T20s.
Hailing from Pulwama, Mir’s talent earned him a spot in India C’s squad for the 2018-19 Deodhar Trophy. In his previous Ranji Trophy match last October, he achieved his career-best figures of 6/53 against Services, further solidifying his position as one of J&K’s key players.
A Spell to Remember
Umar Nazir Mir’s sensational bowling performance left a lasting impression, dominating a match that was expected to highlight the returns of Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane to domestic cricket. With his height, skill, and ability to extract bounce, Mir once again proved why he remains a crucial asset for Jammu and Kashmir.
