Birthday boy Abhishek's unbeaten 45 helps defending champions Mumbai beat TN in low-scoring encounter
Abhishek Nayar
ADVERTISEMENT
Mumbai all-rounder Abhishek Nayar was unable to play a single match for the last seven months, but this experienced cricketer played a vital role in defending champions' two-wicket win over Tamil Nadu in their Ranji Trophy opening match at Lahli (Haryana) on Saturday.
Chasing 97 for victory, Mumbai lost five batsmen for 35 in 17 overs. However, a 30-run eighth wicket partnership between Nayar and Balwinder Singh Sandhu Jr (12) pushed the 41-time Ranji Trophy winners closer to victory.
Nayar hails Sandhu
Nayar hailed Sandhu's contribution. "Ballu gave me good support. His 12 runs provided me the confidence to overcome the pressure. When he (Sandhu) got out, we need seven runs to win. The remaining two balls of that over which Tushar (Deshpande) played were so important. In the next over, I had no option but to go for another six," Nayar told mid-day from Lahli.
Nayar, who ended up with 45 not out (5x4, 2x6) added: "I had decided to finish the match in that over itself, so I went for a six. I picked the full length in-swinging delivery (of K Vignesh) to hit it over the deep square leg fence and then complete the formalities by taking a single."
Back after surgery
Nayar gave himself an ideal 33rd birthday gift. "This innings was very important for me since I had not played a game after the Irani Cup at the Cricket Club of India which was seven months ago. Later, I underwent surgery for my wrist injury," Nayar added.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
