Mukesh and Akash share nine wickets to seal Irani Cup win for Rest of India
The Bengal pace duo combined for nine wickets to bowl Rest of India to a 167-run Irani Cup victory.
Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep took nine wickets between them as Rest of India defeated Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs in the Irani Cup final in Srinagar. Mukesh finished with six for 33 and Akash took three for 25. The pair dismissed the last seven Jammu and Kashmir wickets for 22 runs.
Both bowlers represent Bengal and followed similar routes from Bihar through domestic cricket to the national side. Akash Deep returned after a seven-month injury layoff and touched speeds above 140 kmph. Mukesh Kumar said bowling together creates a difficult environment for batters.
Rest of India enforced the victory on the fourth day after posting a substantial lead. The win gives both pacers momentum ahead of the Ranji Trophy season that begins on October 11.
CricHubb Take
The repeated success of the pair in tandem suggests Bengal's production line of fast bowlers remains strong. Their ability to bowl long spells at pace offers India a potential new-ball option for overseas conditions.