Maharashtra opener Swapnil Gugale hit a century as the hosts powered their way to 298-3 against Mumbai on the opening day of their elite Ranji Trophy Group A match here yesterday. Put in to bat at the MCA International Stadium in Gahunje on the outskirts of the city, Gugale (101) and his opening partner Chirag Khurana (71) laid a solid foundation with a 146-run stand.

The two batsmen, with their effective stroke play, made life difficult for Mumbai bowlers, who missed the experience of key pacers Dhawal Kulkarni and Tushar Deshpande, both out with injuries. Gugale hit 15 fours in his 191-ball knock. Pune-born Gugale was cleaned up by right-arm medium pacer Shubham Ranjane (2-30) soon after completing his fourth first class century.