Ahmedabad: Ajinkya Rahane has scored a stunning century for those sent off to play in the Ranji Trophy following a string of poor performances in international cricket. Rahane, who is playing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, scored a stunning century on the first day of the match against Saurashtra. Rahane completed his century off 211 balls with 14 fours and two sixes. Rahane, who has hit 250 balls so far, is unbeaten on 108 with 14 fours and two sixes.
Mumbai were 263 for three in 87 overs at stumps on the first day with Sarfraz Khan scoring a century along with Rahane. Rahane (108) and Sarfraz Khan (121) were at the crease. The duo have added 219 runs for the fourth wicket so far.
Earlier, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and others were involved in sending Rahane to play in the Ranji Trophy to regain his form. Rahane’s century was witnessed by Cheteshwar Pujara, who was sent to play in the Ranji Trophy along with his poor performance in international cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara is also in Rahane’s Saurashtra squad for the match against Mumbai. The duo came to the Ranji Trophy to regain form after a poor showing on the last tour of South Africa.
Rahane’s century sealed Mumbai’s start. Rahane’s double-century partnership with Sarfraz Khan for the fourth wicket kept the team afloat. Sarfraz, who has faced 219 balls so far, is unbeaten on 121 runs. Sarfraz’s innings included 15 fours and two sixes.
Captain Prithviraj Shah and others disappointed the Mumbai line-up. Prithviraj Shah, who faced 10 balls, was dismissed for just one run off Jaidev Unadkat. Akashit Gomal (eight off 18 balls) and Sachin Yadav (18 off 25 balls) were the other outfielders.
For Saurashtra, skipper Jaidev Unadkat conceded 23 runs in 15 overs, while youngster Chetan Zakaria conceded 38 runs in 14 overs and Chirag Jani conceded 43 runs in 18 overs.
English Summary: Ajinkya Rahane Hits Century In His Ranji Trophy Return
