Rajasthan's last encounter in the Ranji Super League saw them take on formidable Mumbai in Mumbai. Having drawn two matches and lost one, Rajasthan must have been looking forward with some trepidation towards their final engagement against the group leaders in their own backyard. Mumbai were put in to bat and totalled an unexceptional 336.

Steady bowling by PK Krishnakumar and DP Singh restricted the home side but it was the quicksilver reflexes of Rajasthan keeper Rohit Jhalani that stole the thunder. Jhalani snaffled four catches behind the wickets besides effecting two stumpings and proved in general to be a thorn in Mumbai's flesh.

More was to follow as Rajasthan crumbled to 165/8 in their reply with another 22 still needed to avoid the follow on. Jhalani strode in at No. 8 and struck a priceless 32 (66 balls, 3 boundaries) that nudged his team past the magic figure of 186 and forced the opposition to bat again.

In Mumbai's second knock, Jhalani added one more victim to his bag in a truncated innings as the hosts declared at 285/5. And Rajasthan almost pulled off a sensational coup as they roared to 288/2 in pursuit of a fourth innings target of 393. Mumbai had to summon all its reserves to force their unfancied rivals into submission by 72 runs.

Although Jhalani failed with the bat in the run chase, he had acquitted himself honourably and indeed his six dismissals in the first innings remained the benchmark for all comers during the season, with no other gloveman matching the feat.