Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane slams ton for Mumbai
Senior Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane slammed a century on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai against Saurashtra. Rahane came in early on when Mumbai were reduced to 22/2. He remained unbeaten at stumps , firing an unbeaten 108 from 250 deliveries. He found an able company from Sarfaraz Khan, who smashed an unbeaten 121. Mumbai are 263/3 at stumps.
- This was a much needed century for Rahane, who had managed just 136 runs in six innings in India's 1-2 defeat in the Test series in South Africa earlier this year.
- With Test series against Sri Lanka to be played from first week of March, this century will provide the confidence he needs.
- Rahane will want to retain his place in the Indian team.
Mumbai lost skipper Prithvi Shaw (1) and Aakarshit Gomel (8) early on to be reduced to 22/2. They were soon reeling at 44/3 as Sachin Yadav was dismissed for 19. From there on, Rahane and Sarfaraz stood tall, sharing an unbeaten 219-run stand for the fourth wicket. Saurashtra bowlers had a tough day on the field as the two batters dominated the proceedings.
The 33-year-old Rahane hit 14 fours and two sixes in a 250-ball knock. He got to his century, having faced 212 balls. Rahane slammed his 36th First Class century, racing to 11,904 runs.
The 219-run stand between Rahane and Sarfaraz came from 448 deliveries. They took time and played as per merit. Mumbai will look to pace their innings well and get to a good total on Day 2. They have given themselves a solid platform to shine. Both Rahane and Sarfaraz will aim to convert their unbeaten tons to something more substantial.
