Mumbai’s last outing against Hyderabad saw the batsmen make merry with the hosts putting up a huge score on the board at the MCA’s BKC ground.
CUTTACK: Mumbai’s last outing against Hyderabad saw the batsmen make merry with the hosts putting up a huge score on the board at the MCA’s BKC ground.
Mumbai bowlers, however, had to toil hard to take 20 wickets in both the innings on a batting-friendly strip but they did a decent job to provide an outright win that saw Mumbai virtually make the quarterfinal stage of the Ranji Trophy. In the sixth round encounter that begins Friday, Mumbai, who are now leading the points table with 21 points, face Orissa in Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium.
The hosts, who desperately need a win to stay afloat, have prepared a wicket that would suit their fast bowlers. Wasim Jaffer-led Mumbai, boasting of a formidable batting line-up, are not ready to take any chances and would look to keep their winning momentum going. Opener Jaffer has been in a terrific form especially after his fluent double hundred in the last game. The greenish strip may actually be beneficial for him.
Inconsistent young middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma needs to use the opportunity to stake his claim in the longer version of the game especially after Sourav Ganguly’s exit that has left the middle-order spot up for grabs. However, it won’t be easy for Mumbai batsmen to tackle Orissa fast bowers led by Debashish Mohanty and young B Mohanty.
With Ajit Agarkar making himself unavailable due to ill health, talented youngster Rahil Sheikh might get a look in. The aggressive youngster won’t like to lose this opportunity to show his fast bowling skill. Swing bowler Kshemal Waingankar too may get a chance and the seaming conditions would certainly benefit him.
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