Mumbai force Gujarat into a corner

Paras Mhambrey pushed Gujarat to the brink of defeat at stumps on the third day of their four day West Zone Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai at the Lalabhai Contractor stadium in Surat on Wednesday. In arrears by 114 runs on the first innings, Gujarat were 93 for six at close of play.

Replying to Gujarat's first innings total of 305, Maharashtra were all out for 419. They were given a fine start with openers Wasim Jaffer and AA Pagnis putting on 123 runs in 35.5 overs. Pagnis was out for 52, compiled off 100 balls and inclusive of eight hits to the fence. Then Jaffar and Vinod Kambli got entrenched in a fourth wicket association that added 152 runs from 44.4 overs. Jaffer was then out for a marathon 173 for which he occupied the crease for 409 minutes. He faced 312 deliveries and hit 21 fours and a six. Kambli then kept the innings going until he was last out for 116. He faced 203 balls and hit eleven fours and a six.

When Gujarat batted a second time, Mhambrey struck early and then wickets fell at regular intervals. Opener ND Modi stood firm with an unbeaten 38 for which he batted a shade over three hours but Mhambrey cut through the batting and by stumps had taken four for 15.