Punjab's centurion Mandeep cashes in on his luck against Mumbai

Riding on an unbeaten century from middle-order batsman Mandeep Singh, Punjab reached a healthy 288 for four at stumps on Day One of their Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

Mumbai, whose fielders dropped three chances to get rid of the 20-year-old, paid for some sloppy fielding as Mandeep pulled and drove his way to an unbeaten 102 at the end of day's play. Mandeep, who came into the match with just 89 runs from five matches, was dropped on 67, 74 and 93.

Mumbai's Ajinkya Rahane rues a chance offered by Punjab batsman (inset) Mandeep Singh at the Wankhede on Saturday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Being sent to bat by Mumbai, Punjab started well on a track which assisted seamers with Jiwanjot Singh (42) and Karan Goel (25) laying a good platform.

Jiwanjot was dropped twice in close succession by butter-fingered Mumbai fielders. Ravi Inder Singh (76), who came in at one down, then hit the hapless Mumbai bowlers for 14 fours before falling to an Agarkar delivery.

Singh then added 51 runs for the fourth wicket with another left-hander, Uday Kaul (19) to further cement Punjab's position. u00a0Earlier in the day, Mumbai lost the services of veteran opener Wasim Jaffer, who could not play in the match because of the demise of a close relative in Lucknow where he has been, but could not return in time.