Mumbai feed on chips

NK Reddy at BKC. Pic/Atul Kamble; (right) Tanush Kotian

Despite losing their top six without any batsman making a big score, Mumbai managed to post 395 in the first innings of their four-day Elite Group ‘B' Ranji Trophy match against Andhra Pradesh at the Mumbai Cricket Association's Bandra-Kurla Complex ground on Saturday. In reply, Andhra reached 98-3 at stumps on Day Two.

The hosts have the two bowling all-rounders to thank - Tanush Kotian and Mohit Avasthi - who batted their way to half-centuries. Kotian, (54, 8x4) registered his second consecutive fifty of the season and Avasthi (53, 7x4, 10x6), smashed the ball around as a No.9 batsman. Thus, Mumbai were able to finish with an additional 114 runs to their overnight score of 281-6. Kotian and Avasthi's 91-run stand was the highest partnership of the Mumbai innings.

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Later, Andhra pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy (5-64) bagged his second fifer in his 12th first-class game. He dismissed both the overnight batsmen, Kotian and Shams Mulani (38) before the lunch break. However, Dhawal Kulkarni, (24 not out) who joined Avasthi, tested the visiting team's patience by stitching a 78-run stand for the ninth wicket. Avasthi reached his second first-class half-century with a copybook straight drive against off-spinner Shoaib Md Khan (2-71). The six over the long-on fence off SK Rasheed, the off-spinner, brought much cheer to the Mumbai camp.

Later, Andhra opener Prasanth Kumar displayed his intent with an unbeaten 59 which comprised 10 fours. However, Hanuma Vihari (6), the Test batsman in the visiting side, managed to survive only 22 balls before left-arm spinner Mulani (2-35) trapped him leg before.

Brief scores
Mumbai 395 all out (overnight 281-6) (J Bista 39, B Lalwani 61, S Parkar 41, S Iyer 48, S Mulani 38, T Kotian 54, M Avasthi 53; NK Reddy 5-64, Shoaib Md Khan 2-71) v Andhra Pradesh 98-3 (P Kumar 59; S Mulani 2-35)