‘Batsmen’ Mulani, Kotian keep Mumbai in the game

Mumbai spinners Shams Mulani (left) and Tanush Kotian

While the specialist Mumbai batsmen failed to convert their good starts into big scores, two spinners - Tanush Kotian (57 not out) and Shams Mulani (49 not out) - kept Mumbai in the game on Day Three of the Ranji Trophy tie against Goa in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

Mumbai, who were bundled out for 163 in the first innings, managed to bat the whole day and had a lead of 158 runs, thanks mainly to Kotian and Mulani, who stitched a 114-run unbeaten, eighth wicket partnership.

Mumbai were 322-7 at stumps. The experienced Ajinkya Rahane, who got out for a duck in the first innings, scored 56 (3x4), while skipper Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan managed 44 and 48 respectively.

At one stage, the former champions were struggling at 208-7, but off-spinner Kotian and left-arm spinner Mulani displayed plenty of fighting spirit against the Goa bowlers.

Kotian, who scored an unbeaten 50 against Saurashtra a few days ago, countered the Goan attack well, hitting five fours and a six. His senior partner Mulani, who claimed six wickets in the first innings, was more patient.

Mulani has bowled 36.4 overs in this game despite a sore shoulder. In the last tie against Saurashtra, he sent down 60 overs for 11 wickets in the match. "My shoulder is sore. Masseur [Sunil Rajguru] and physio [Abhishek Sawant] are treating my shoulder so that I will be ready to bowl again. They have done an amazing job. I have bowled 96 overs in the space of a few days. I have to do a very important job tomorrow [Sunday] as well and I am up for it," Mulani told Sunday mid-day.

He added: "To be very honest, anything above 180 is a very good total. It's a fourth day track, it is spinning and there are patches on the wicket. We bowlers need to be patient and just land the ball in the right areas. Tanush, Prashant Solanki [leg-spinner] and I have the responsibility of delivering for Mumbai."