Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre, 17, smashed a commanding second first-class century, steering Mumbai to a strong position against Services on Day Two of their Elite Group ‘A’ Ranji Trophy match at the Air Force ground at Palam here. Mhatre scored 116, studded with 12 boundaries and three sixes, giving the 42-time Ranji Trophy winner a 13-run first innings lead in the match.

Mumbai’s innings began on a shaky note in their response to Services’ total of 240. Opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi (1) and Siddhesh Lad (10) fell early to pacer Nitin Yadav, leaving the team reeling at 29 for two. The situation worsened when skipper Ajinkya Rahane (19) was bowled by Varun Choudhary, reducing Mumbai to a precarious 69 for three. However, Mhatre anchored the innings with Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 47 off 46 balls. Earlier, Mumbai pacer Shardul Thakur delivered an impressive performance, taking four wickets to wrap up Services’ innings.