Mumbai's in-form batsman smashes unbeaten fifty in second innings after Tamil Nadu grab vital first innings lead of 76, courtesy tons from Yo Mahesh (103*) and B Indrajith (152) on Day 3
Mumbai's Shreyas Iyer displayed his hard-hitting skills to justify the view of some pundits who feel he deserves a place in India's Twenty20 squad. While batting in the second innings against Tamil Nadu on Day Three of the Group 'C' Ranji Trophy encounter at Mumbai Cricket Association's Bandra Kurla Complex ground yesterday, Iyer hit India's ace off-spinner R Ashwin twice over the long-on fence during his unbeaten 56 off 58 balls. In response to TN's first innings score of 450, Mumbai were 85 for one at stumps.
Mumbai's Shreyas Iyer goes over the top during Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy match against TN yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
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Shreyas goes berserk
Iyer was at his punitive best in the 16th over of the TN innings when he clubbed Vijay Shankar above the sightscreen at the pavilion end in the pacer's second delivery of his fifth over. On the fifth ball of that over, he hit him over the long-on fence to bring up his half century which came off 43 balls, laced with five huge sixes and three fours.
Mumbai lost opener Prithvi Shaw (5) early as Shankar disturbed his furniture with a perfect yorker. However, Akhil Herwadkar stood firm to remain unbeaten on 24 with the help of three fours.
TN duo cause mayhem
Earlier, two splendid centuries from TN batsmen, Baba Indrajith (152) and No. 9 Yo Mahesh (103 not out) helped the visitors take a 76-run first innings lead over Mumbai. Pacer Mahesh, who was out of TN team for the last four years due to injury, showed how good he is with the willow as well in terms of temperament. He underwent two knee replacements before he could make a comeback. When he joined his vice-captain Baba Indrajith, TN needed another 87 runs to take the first innings lead which would have assured them three points. At lunch, TN were 345 for eight, still 30 runs away from the lead. Mahesh was batting on 31 while Rahil Shah had yet to open his account.
TN remain patient
They were in no hurry after the break as they didn't take a single run for nearly five overs, bowled by pacers Dhawal Kulkarni. Mahesh displayed exceptional skills against pacers and spinners alike by using his feet. He brought up TN's 300 when he danced down the pitch to hit left-arm spinner Aditya Dhumal. Indrajith, who was unbeaten with 105 on Wednesday, continued his aggressive approach, driving on both sides of the wicket and reached his 150 with a cover-driven boundary off medium pacer Abhishek Nayar. However, after adding just two to his 150, he failed to defend a Vijay Gohil and edged it to first slip fielder Siddhesh Lad to give the left-arm spinner his fourth wicket of the innings.
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