Ranji Trophy: Siddhesh Lad's Ton Lifts Mumbai to 336/5

Srinagar, Oct 15 (PTI): Mumbai's Siddhesh Lad showcased resilience with a robust 116, while Shams Mulani held firm with an unbeaten 79, leading their team to a respectable 336 for five after an initial setback against Jammu and Kashmir on the first day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match on Wednesday. Mumbai found themselves in early trouble at 141 for four after opting to bat first, with early dismissals of young talents Ayush Mhatre (28) and Musheer Khan (0). Former captain Ajinkya Rahane also could not progress beyond 27. Sarfaraz Khan contributed a steady 42 before a run-out ended his innings during a crucial 67-run fourth-wicket partnership with Lad, putting Mumbai in a delicate position. However, Lad and Mulani steadied the innings with a pivotal 159-run partnership. Lad, batting at No. 4, delivered a commendable century, vital for Mumbai's innings against the persistent Jammu and Kashmir bowling attack. His innings came to an end in the 70th over after being stumped by wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan off Abid Mushtaq's bowling.

Yudhvir Singh shone for Jammu and Kashmir, picking up wickets of both Mhatre and Rahane, while Mulani's all-round capabilities came to the forefront once again. Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, Delhi managed to reach 256 for three, aided by half-centuries from opener Sanat Sangwan (91 not out), skipper Ayush Badoni (53), and Ayush Doseja (97 not out). Sangwan and Doseja were involved in a substantial 149-run partnership for the fourth wicket, pushing Delhi's total forward from a challenging 24 for two. Though Badoni added valuable runs with a 53 off 72 balls, he fell leg-before to Chama Milind, who claimed two wickets for 34 runs.

At Rajsamand, Chhattisgarh ended the day at 287 for seven, thanks to an unbeaten 116 from Ajay Mandal. The team stumbled initially at 49 for five, with Khaleel Ahmed and Ankit Chaudhary wrecking the top order. However, partnerships with Ashutosh Singh (44), Aditya Sarwate (43), and Vasudev Bareth (46 not out) helped Chhattisgarh recover effectively.

In Puducherry, adverse weather conditions restricted play to just 60 overs, with Himachal Pradesh reaching 176 for five by stumps. Ekant Sen's 50 and an unbeaten 82 from Mayank Dagar guided the visitors, while Sagar Udeshi impressed with figures of three for 33.

Brief Scores:

At Srinagar: Mumbai 336/5 in 83 overs (Siddhesh Lad 116, Sarfaraz Khan 42, Shams Mulani 79 not out; Yudhvir Singh 2/82) vs Jammu and Kashmir.

At Hyderabad: Delhi 256/3 in 83 overs (Sanat Sangwan 91 not out, Ayush Badoni 53, Ayush Doseja 97 not out; Chama Milind 2/34) vs Hyderabad.

At Rajsamand: Chhattisgarh 287/7 in 87 overs (Ashutosh Singh 44, Ajay Mandal 116 not out, Vasudev Bareth 46 not out; Khaleel Ahmed 2/65, Ankit Choudhary 3/41) vs Rajasthan.

At Puducherry: Himachal Pradesh 176/5 in 60 overs (Ekant Sen 50, Mayank Dagar 82 not out; Sagar Udeshi 3/33) vs Puducherry.

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