Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Shardul, Dube pull Mumbai to security towards Assam on Day 1

When Shivam Dube (101 batting, 95b, 10×4, 5×6) reached his second century of the season on Friday with a single, the celebrations had been subdued. He raised his bat, slowly walked in the direction of the non-striker’s finish to hug Shardul Thakur, after which quietly went about his enterprise.

Mumbai was reeling at 60 for 4 when Dube walked in. Fortunately for the house aspect, issues didn’t look that grim owing to Shardul’s six-for (6 for 21) earlier, which noticed Assam decreased to 84 within the first innings.

As the day progressed, Dube took issues in his stride and cast a vital 103-run partnership with Shams Mulani for the sixth wicket to make sure Mumbai ended the day at 217 for six, with a lead of 133 runs.

Returning to the workforce after a break, Dube appeared to be in no hurry. He aimed to rebuild with captain Ajinkya Rahane, who appeared to be in rhythm earlier than being given out for obstructing the sector.

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Rahane was batting on 18 when he drove quick bowler Dibakar Johori right down to mid-on and took off for a single, solely to be denied by Dube. Rahane scampered again and received in the best way of a throw from mid-on fielder Denish Das. Assam appealed and Rahane was given his marching orders on the fourth ball of the twenty fifth over. Tea was taken two balls early, with Mumbai reeling at 102 for 5.

There was a twist within the story as Assam withdrew the attraction. According to the rule, an attraction for obstructing the sector might be withdrawn earlier than the subsequent ball is bowled. However, Rahane couldn’t capitalise on the chance and lasted simply 18 balls publish Tea and added 4 runs to his tally earlier than being cleaned up by Johori.

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That introduced the main focus again on Dube, and he partnered with Mulani to information Mumbai to safer waters. While Mulani rotated the strike, Dube focused Assam’s spinners. As the wicket eased out, Dube didn’t spare any of Assam’s bowlers.

If the ultimate two classes of the day belonged to Dube, it was Shardul who dominated the primary half. On a floor that provided sufficient bounce early on, Mumbai’s determination to area proved proper as Shardul ripped aside Assam’s top-order.

While he claimed three wickets, conceding simply 16 runs within the first spell, Shardul furrowed the tail in his second spell and claimed three extra wickets, giving freely simply 22 runs. With Mulani becoming a member of forces with a few wickets, not one of the Assam batters may step up and rebuild.