Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front, and scored a hundred in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 fixture against Mumbai at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC, Mumbai. After getting bowled out for 126 runs in the first innings, Maharashtra posted 441 runs in the second innings, giving Mumbai a target of 74 runs to win the match. Gaikwad, who was out on a duck in the first innings, went on to reach the triple figures in the second innings.
After conceding a lead of 262 runs in the first innings, Maharashtra had a poor start in the second innings as they lost Siddhesh Veer on the score of one run in the second innings. After that, Sachin Dhas and Ruturaj Gaikwad brought Maharashtra back in the game with a partnership of 222 runs for the second wicket. However, Dhar fell short of his hundred by just two runs as he got out after after scoring 98 runs off 208 balls with 11 fours and a six.
Maharashtra lose quick wickets after top-order heroics in second innings vs Mumbai
During his innings, Ruturaj Gaikwad batted aggressively, and completed his hundred in just 87 balls. The captain of Maharashtra got out after a well-made 145(171) with the help of 16 fours and two sixes. Along with him, Ankit Bawne also brought up his ton as the right-hander scored 101(152) runs with 10 boundaries. However, even after a strong start given by the top-order, Maharashtra failed to get decent runs from their middle and lower order as they were bowled out for 388 runs, setting a target of just 74 runs for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy clash.
For Mumbai, Mohit Avasthi, Tanush Kotian and Shams Mulani took 3-3 wickets each, while Shardul Thakur put one wicket in his bag. Coming to chase the winning total, Mumbai were 13 without loss at the close of play on day three. Openers Prithvi Shaw and Ayush Mhatre were at the crease, and they will be aiming to take their team past the finishing line relatively quickly on day four.
