Ranji Trophy: Gaikwad leads Maharashtra response after Shreyas hundred lifts Mumbai

Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad's unbeaten 80 led to a determined response against Mumbai on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Group A clash. However, Maharashtra still trail by 173 runs.

In Short

• Ruturaj Gaikwad's unbeaten 80 leads Maharashtra's fightback against Mumbai
• Mumbai get a massive lead with Ayush Mhatre's 176 and Shreyas Iyer's 142
• ripura mounted a strong recovery after early setbacks to reach 346 for 6

Ruturaj Gaikwad hit an unbeaten 80 to lead a strong reply for Maharashtra, but they still trail by 173 runs in their Group A Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai. At the end of Day 2, Maharashtra reached 142 for 1 in their second innings, with Gaikwad and Sachin Dhas (59*, 7 fours, 1 six) at the crease.

Defending champions Mumbai had earlier taken a massive lead of 315 runs, posting 441 in their first innings after bundling Maharashtra out for a mere 126. Mumbai resumed their innings at 220 for 3 and were propelled by a commanding 176 from 17-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre in just his third first-class match. Though India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for just 7, Shreyas Iyer made the most of his opportunity, smashing 142 from 190 balls, including 12 fours and 4 sixes.

At the Air Force Ground in Palam, Services were trailing by 403 runs, reaching 74 for 2 in reply to Baroda's 477 for 6 declared. Baroda resumed their first innings at 249 for 3, with Shivalik Sharma (120*) continuing his impressive form to score 178 off 394 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes). Vishnu Solanki added 125 from 297 balls (10 fours), while skipper Krunal Pandya contributed a brisk 86 off 117 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes). Atit Sheth chipped in with a quickfire 53* from 50 balls (8 fours).

In a rain-affected match, Tripura mounted a strong recovery after early setbacks to reach 346 for 6 at stumps on Day 2. Sridam Paul was the star of the innings, smashing 146 off 178 balls (20 fours, 2 sixes). He was ably supported by skipper Mandeep Singh (59), S Sharath (54*), and Mura Singh (53*). In Cuttack, Govinda Poddar's unbeaten 87 kept Odisha's hopes alive as they ended the day at 198 for 5, still trailing Jammu & Kashmir by 72 runs in the first innings.

Brief Scores: Mumbai: Maharashtra 126 & 142/1 in 31 overs (Sachin Dhas 59, Ruturaj Gaikwad 80; Shardul Thakur 1/27) trail Mumbai 441 in 103.1 overs (Ayush Mhatre 176, Shreyas Iyer 142; Hitesh Valunj 6/134) by 173 runs.

Delhi: Baroda 477/6 decl. in 150 overs (Shivalik Sharma 178, Vishnu Solanki 125, Krunal Pandya 86, Atit Sheth 53; Poonam Poonia 2/45) lead Services 74/2 in 22 overs (Suraj Vashisht 26; Atit Sheth 1/15) by 403 runs.

Shillong: Tripura 346/6 in 74.2 overs (Sridam Paul 146, Mandeep Singh 54, S Sharath 54, Mura Singh 53) vs Meghalaya.

Cuttack: Jammu & Kashmir 270 lead Odisha 198/5 69.1 overs (Anurag Sarangi 35, Govinda Poddar 87*, Abid Mushtaq 2/52) byfirst innings.