Bista-Lalwani half-tons help Mumbai take lead

Jay Bista and Bhupen Lalwani

Mumbai dished out a dominant batting display, with openers Jay Bista and Bhupen Lalwani notching up half-centuries to put them on top against Kerala on the third day of their Group B Ranji Trophy match here on Sunday.

Having taken a slender first innings lead of seven runs, Mumbai posted a formidable 319 in their second essay to set the home side an imposing target of 327 runs.

Kerala were 24 for no loss at close on day three as they face a daunting task, needing to showcase exceptional batting prowess to salvage a draw or secure an unlikely win.

Mumbai thus remained on the brink of securing their third successive outright win of the season.

Resuming on 105 for no loss, Lalwani (88) and Bista (73) continued their overnight partnership to post respective fifties.

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MD Nidheesh (2-59) broke the opening stand of 148 before Lalwani got in a mini partnership with veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane who played with a patient and cautious approach.

But, the Mumbai skipper could not convert his start and managed to score only 16 runs from 65 balls before falling to Jalaj Saxena (4-80).

The Kerala bowlers, despite their efforts, struggled to break Mumbai's resilience. Shreyas Gopal returned with four wickets. Prasad Pawar (35), Shams Mulani (30) and No. 9 Mohit Avasthi (32) also made valuable contributions, propelling Mumbai to a formidable total of 319.

Brief scores
Mumbai 251 & 319 (B Lalwani 88, J Bista 73; J Saxena 4-80, S Gopal 4-82, MD Nidheesh 2-59) v Kerala 244 & 24-0

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