Ranji Trophy: Tushar Deshpande’s five-wicket haul puts Mumbai in control against Chandigarh

Tushar Deshpande (FIle pic)

Fast bowler Tushar Deshpande produced a devastating five-wicket spell as Mumbai dismissed Chandigarh for just 78 in their first innings before enforcing the follow-on on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy Group D encounter.

Resuming from their overnight score of 249 for five, Mumbai relied on solid lower-order contributions to build a total of 429 in 136.5 overs, putting themselves in total control of the match.

Chandigarh suffered a severe collapse during their first innings with the bat, losing six wickets with only 29 runs on the board before being bowled out in just 19.1 overs at the Wankhede Stadium.

Deshpande spearheaded the bowling attack, finishing with figures of 5 for 17 from seven overs, while pace colleague Mohit Avasthi chipped in with 3 for 9 in six overs. Sylvester D'Souza bagged two wickets while giving away 51 runs. Deshpande finished with figures of 5/17, his sixth career five-wicket haul, in Chandigarh's first innings.

Nishunk Birla provided some resistance for Chandigarh, hammering a rapid 33 off 15 deliveries featuring five boundaries and a six, though he found little support. Arjun Azad was the only other batter in double figures with 20.

Earlier in the day, Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad, who restarted his knock on 80, made 86 off 192 deliveries, narrowly missing out on a century, while all-rounder Tanush Kotian struck 58 off 91 balls. Avasthi also starred with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 56 off 119 balls with six fours and two sixes.

Deshpande added vital runs late in the innings as well, scoring a quick 44 off 47 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. On the opening day, Musheer Khan (65) and Ayush Mhatre (48) had provided the platform for Mumbai's big total.

For Chandigarh, Raj Bawa and Rohit Dhanda were the standout bowlers, picking up four wickets apiece with figures of 4 for 73 and 4 for 78 respectively.

Brief scores:

Mumbai 1st innings 429 all out in 136.5 overs (Siddhesh Lad 86, Musheer Khan 65, Tanush Kotian 58, Mohit Avasthi 56; Raj Bawa 4/73, Rohit Dhanda 4/78)

Chandigarh 78 all out (Nishunk Birla 33; Tushar Deshpande 5/17, Mohit Avasthi 3/9) and 0/1.

(With inputs from PTI)