Spurred on by 20-year-old Mandeep Singh's maiden double hundred in first-class cricket, Punjab amassed a mammoth 580 in their first innings against Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy league match at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday
Mumbai’s misery was compounded by a belligerent knock from Amitoze Singh who missed his ton by a mere nine runs. In their reply, Mumbai had scored 69 for the loss of opener Aditya Tare’s wicket. Kaustubh Pawar (26) and Ajinkya Rahane (18) were holding fort for the 39-time champions at the end of day’s play.
ADVERTISEMENT
Swift scoring
Earlier in the day, Mandeep and Amitoze scored 163 runs in just 31.2 overs at a brisk pace with the former, not out on 102 overnight, playing second fiddle to his partner.
Amitoze, who is also a part of the squad for the Mumbai Indians, departed soon after lunch for 91 but not before clobbering the Mumbai bowlers for 11 fours and three sixes.
At the other end, Mandeep, who was dropped thrice by butter-fingered Mumbai fielders on Saturday, was dropped again on 199.
After Amitoze, Punjab lost three more wickets quickly, including Mandeep, who offered a no shot and was bowled by spinner Ankit Chavan.
The tail then frustrated Mumbai with the last two wickets adding 66 runs. The hosts are being led by Test man
Ajit Agarkar.
Brief scores: Punjab 580 (Jeevanjot Singh 42, Ravi Inder Singh 76, Mandeep Singh 211, Amitoze Singh 91; A Agarkar 3 for 95, Dhawal Kulkarni 2 for 106, Ankit Chavan 3 for 142). Mumbai 69 for 1.u00a0