Mumbai Near Big Win In Ranji Trophy, Bengal Take Crucial Lead vs Karnataka

Mumbai closed in on a big win despite Odisha's stoic resistance with the bat as the defending champions reduced the visitors to 126/5 at stumps on Day Three after imposing follow-on, in their Ranji Trophy Group A encounter here on Friday. Odisha were trailing by another 191 runs as a defeat by an innings loomed large despite their stoic resistance making Mumbai toil here at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy Ground. Resuming at 146 for five in reply to Mumbai's massive 602 for four declared, Odisha made the Mumbai bowlers work hard for nearly 95 overs in the first innings, and after Ajinkya Rahane asked them to follow-on as the hosts took a 319-run lead, the response was no different.

Sandeep Pattanaik led the fight for Odisha in the first innings with a fine 187-ball 102 laced with 11 fours and four sixes and he was ably supported by the lower-order batters after the specialists disappointed.

However, the right-handed Pattanaik could only make 39 (45 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) in the second essay before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Shams Mulani (1/26), who took 6/115 in the first innings.

On a pitch assisting turn and bounce but largely favourable to batters due to grass cover, young right-arm off-spinner Himanshu Singh, who copies R Ashwin's bowling action, claimed 3/45 in the second essay with great control after his 3/53 in the first innings.

At stumps, wicketkeeper-batter Aashirwad Swain (46 not out) was holding one front.

While the 27-year-old Mulani expressed delight on taking his 14th five-for in First-Class cricket, he admitted his disappointment in not getting a chance with the India A side currently playing in Australia.

“It is disappointing. But that is how life is, a lot of people don't get selected who