Mumbai’s skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, picked up right where he left off yesterday, crafting a magnificent 159 runs from 303 balls. His masterful knock steered Mumbai to a commanding total of 406 for 8 in their rain-interrupted Ranji Trophy league match against Chhattisgarh.
After having retired hurt post his century on day one, Rahane made a strong return to the crease at the MCA-BKC ground on Sunday. He meticulously built Mumbai’s innings alongside Akash Anand, who was unbeaten on a patient 60 runs from 148 deliveries, featuring five boundaries. This crucial partnership developed after Shams Mulani was dismissed by Ravi Kiran early in the session.
Rahane wasted no time in finding his rhythm, striking a couple of elegant boundaries off Sourabh Majumdar. Displaying unwavering composure, he expertly navigated Chhattisgarh’s youthful bowling attack, focusing on accumulating runs through singles. His partner, Anand, matched his steadiness, calmly progressing towards his well-deserved maiden half-century.
Playing only his fourth game for Mumbai, the promising wicketkeeper-batsman Anand demonstrated maturity beyond his years, treating each ball on its merits. He frequently consulted with Rahane between overs, and these strategic discussions clearly paid off, as he comfortably handled the experienced left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate, who still managed to pick up four wickets for 103 runs.
With significant playing time lost to persistent rain interruptions, Mumbai adopted a measured approach, adding 151 runs to their overnight score. This represented a remarkable comeback, especially considering they were in a precarious position at 38 for three at one stage.
Under Rahane’s expert leadership in the batting department, the domestic powerhouse successfully crossed the 400-run milestone. His innings was seemingly flawless, and a double century appeared within reach until a slight misjudgment led to him being caught behind by Shashank Chandrakar off Sarwate’s bowling.
Nonetheless, with the presence of captain Shardul Thakur and the resolute Anand, Mumbai maintained their composure. Shardul contributed a quickfire innings, smashing four boundaries before also being dismissed by Sarwate. Anand, however, remained steadfast at the crease until the day’s play was prematurely ended by a heavy downpour.
As heavy rain is also forecast for Monday, the Mumbai team will undoubtedly be keeping a close watch on the weather.
Scores at a glance:
Mumbai — 1st innings:
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi lbw b Ravi Kiran 9
- Musheer Khan c & b Sarwate 12
- Ajinkya Rahane c Chandrakar b Sarwate 159
- Himanshu Singh lbw b Ravi Kiran 0
- Siddhesh Lad c Ashutosh b Mandal 80
- Sarfaraz Khan c Shashank b Sarvate 1
- Shams Mulani c Bareth b Ravi Kiran 39
- Akash Anand (batting) 60
- Shardul Thakur c Mandal b Sarwate 29
- Tushar Deshpande (batting) 4
Extras (b-8, lb-2, nb-3): 13
Total (for 8 wkts in 130 overs): 406
Chhattisgarh Bowling:
- Ravi Kiran: 19-5-53-3
- Majumdar: 17-2-56-0
- Sarwate: 41-10-103-4
- Bareth: 12-0-64-0
- Mandal: 36-5-96-1
- Shashank: 4-0-18-0
- Ashutosh: 1-0-6-0
Toss: Chhattisgarh