Mumbai had a tough day against Delhi in the capital before somehow managing to recover from 37-5 at one stage to end Day Three of their Elite Group ‘B’ Ranji Trophy match on 168-9 on Thursday. Thanks to skipper Ajinkya Rahane (51) and spin bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian (48*), the visitors currently have a lead of 92 runs.
Young Delhi pacer Divij Mehra, 20, who is playing only his second first-class game, used the morning conditions perfectly to disturb Mumbai’s top-order, returning with figures of 5-29. His scalps included Mumbai openers Prithvi Shaw (16) and Musheer Khan (5) besides No.3 Armaan Jaffer (10), man-in-form Sarfaraz Khan (0) and Mohit Avasthi (0). Rahane, Kotian and Shams Mulani (30) however ensured Mumbai are in a respectable position.
Kotian believes Mumbai can pull off the incredible on the final day on Friday and wants the 41-time Ranji champs to recall their 119-run triumph over Goa last season that came in a similar situation during a league game at Ahmedabad. “We beat Goa last year in the same situation. We conceded the first innings lead to Goa and were 93-4 in the second essay. Then, Shams and myself had a big partnership, where I scored 98 and he got 50. Later, we bowled them out for 112 in the second innings. Shams five wickets while I picked up three to help Mumbai win that one and qualify for the knockouts. We need a similar approach now,” Kotian told mid-day on Thursday.
Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Ton-up Vaibhav Rawal helps Delhi take lead against Mumbai
Off-spinner Kotian, who has claimed 20 wickets and scored two fifties so far this season, reckoned the bowlers need to bowl with intent. “The pitch is not easy to bat on, particularly against fast bowlers as the ball is keeping low. If our pacers get a good start and pick two-three early wickets, we can win this one,” added Kotian.
Brief scores
Mumbai 293 and 168-9 (A Rahane 51, T Kotian 48*; D Mehra 5-29) v Delhi 369
