Mumbai vs Railways: Siddhesh Lad on Sarfaraz Khan’s key catch

Sarfaraz Khan’s catch gave Mumbai the opening they needed as Railways resisted deep into the final day of their Ranji Trophy match at Brabourne Stadium, captain Siddhesh Lad said after the win.

Lad said Mumbai expected the Cricket Club of India pitch to test them. Once batters were set, he said, dismissing them became difficult, and the side had prepared mentally for a finish that could run to the last ball.

Railways built momentum during a lengthy partnership, but Mumbai focused on slowing the game and seeking one breakthrough. “We always believed we were one wicket away,” Lad said. He called Khan a special fielder and said the catch shifted the match back in Mumbai’s favour.

The captain linked the side’s sustained fielding effort in hot, humid conditions to off-season boot camps, where players spent full days on the ground. He also said Musheer Khan remained a bowling option despite Mumbai’s established spinners.

Mumbai have won their first four games. Lad said the squad would regroup after the white-ball fixtures before returning to its red-ball campaign.