Mumbai took a commanding position on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A clash against Meghalaya, thanks to Shardul Thakur's historic hat-trick and impressive batting performances. Thakur led the charge with the ball, dismantling Meghalaya’s top order and claiming a memorable hat-trick – the fifth in Mumbai’s Ranji history. Thakur’s early breakthrough, combined with his fiery spell, reduced Meghalaya to a staggering 2/5, before the visitors could muster just 86 runs in 24.3 overs. Alongside Thakur, Mumbai's bowling attack was sharp, with Mohit Avasthi (3/27), Sylvester D'Souza (2/14), and Shams Mulani (1/1) helping to seal Meghalaya's fate. Mumbai’s bowlers kept the pressure high, almost creating a record low total for Meghalaya in Ranji history.

In response, Mumbai’s top order, led by captain Ajinkya Rahane (83) and Siddhesh Lad (89*), batted with precision to ensure a steady reply. The duo forged a strong partnership, adding 170 runs for the third wicket without losing their wicket. Rahane’s knock was highlighted by his elegant strokeplay, while Lad remained resolute in defense and attack. By stumps, Mumbai had reached 213/2, taking a commanding 127-run lead. The performance of Mumbai’s batters, especially in such a crucial group-stage match, seemed to be a stepping stone toward advancing further in the tournament.

The match also saw India captain Rohit Sharma prepping for upcoming assignments, focusing on his defensive skills during a morning net session. Meanwhile, other groups in the Ranji Trophy also saw some intense competition, as teams like Jammu and Kashmir, Baroda, and Gujarat continued their push for the quarterfinals. Despite a strong effort from Meghalaya’s lower order, Mumbai’s all-around dominance put them firmly in control at the close of play.