Dube rescues Mumbai

Mumbai’s Shivam Dube clouts one on the leg-side against Bengal at Eden Gardens yesterday. Pic/PTI

Mumbai wriggled out of a tight spot to post a commanding 330 for six at stumps on Day One of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B tie against Bengal on Friday.

Delayed start
Winning a good toss after a delayed start on a murky morning with the Eden Gardens wicket wearing a green sheen, Bengal struck early blows to reduce the visitors to 87 for 4 in the 26th over before Shivam Dube (72), leading the team after Ajinkya Rahane pulled a hamstring, and debutant Suryansh Shedge (71) added 144 runs to put the boat back on an even keel. Piling on the pressure thereafter was Tanush Kotian (55') and Atharva Ankolekar (41'), the two having added 99 for the unfinished seventh-wicket partnership.

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Lalwani falls to Mishra
Openers Prithvi Shaw and Bhupen Lalwani had begun before left-arm spinner Ankit Mishra drew first blood by trapping Lalwani leg-before in the 16th over. It was, however, the 24-year-old Suraj Jaiswal who set the cat among the pigeons with a fiery spell that removed Shaw (35) and new man Hardik Tamore.

When the lanky Ishan Porel had Prasad Pawar nicking one in the next over, Mumbai looked in trouble before Dube and Shedge rose to the occasion. The fifth-wicket partnership was broken when Dube's big swing against Mohammad Kaif had the ball catching the outer edge for Jaiswal, running in from deep backward point, to complete a fine catch diving forward.

Shedge left the next over, a rush of blood having him charge Jaiswal but managing only to sky it to Karan Lal at mid-off. It was left to Kotian and Ankolekar to flaunt more of the famous doggedness the 41-time champions are known for Bengal have their task cut out over the next three days.