Mumbai’s hopes of victory over Maharashtra in their do-or-die clash are still alive and rest on the young shoulders of wicketkeeper-batsman Prasad Pawar, 27. The right-hander, who is just one run away from his maiden century, helped the hosts to post 187-5 in response to Maharashtra’s 384 all out. Mumbai trailed by 197 runs at stumps on Day Two of their Elite Group ‘B’ Ranji Trophy match at the Brabourne Stadium on Wednesday.

Pawar was the busiest player from both camps in the last two days. After keeping wickets for one and a half day across 115 overs, he had rest for only one ball. Pawar, who batted at No. 6 against Delhi in the last game, was promoted to No. 3 in place of regular one-drop batsman Armaan Jaffer. And when Mumbai lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) off the very first ball of the innings with pacer Pradeep Dadhe (2-50) trapping him LBW, Pawar had to join debutant Divyaansh Saxena (35, 5x4).