Young batter Musheer Khan and Akhil Herwadkar, who is returning to the side, missed out on their centuries and Siddhesh Lad stayed unbeaten on 80 off 132 balls with nine fours and a six. Mumbai ended the day at 317 for 3 against Pondicherry, with India batter Sarfaraz Khan on 29.
Pondicherry captain Sagar Udeshi opted to bowl
Featuring for the first time in this season at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai took full advantage of a flat pitch. Pondicherry captain Sagar Udeshi chose to field first because of the fresh green grass on the surface, a decision that soon backfired as Mumbai got off to a fast start. Openers Ayush Mhatre and Musheer added a fifty partnership inside the first 10 overs, attacking freely while Pondicherry’s bowlers struggled to control the game.
Mhatre, however, fell for 36 after pushing at a ball outside off stump and edging to wicketkeeper Siddhant Aadhhathrao, giving Abin Mathew the breakthrough. Herwadkar then joined Musheer at the crease and the pair added 119 runs. Musheer looked in top form, scoring 84 off 102 balls with 11 fours, and his clean drives down the ground stood out. He seemed on track for a second straight century but was caught by Paras Ratnaparkhe off Sabhay Chadha.
Herwadkar featured for Mumbai after 2018
Herwadkar, playing for Mumbai for the first time since 2018, looked solid even though he was dropped twice. He couldn’t reach three figures either, but his 86 off 188 balls with 11 fours was an important innings. He later said he felt nervous at the start of his comeback but grew more confident as he settled in.
“I was a little nervous. I won't lie. I was playing the Ranji Trophy in Bombay after a long time. But the way Musheer was playing on the wicket, it gave me confidence,” he told the media.
“I decided that the more I play, the better it would be for me,” Herwadkar added.
Brief scores
Mumbai 317/3 in 84 overs (Musheer Khan 84, Akhil Herwadkar 86, Siddhesh Lad 80 not out; Abin Mathew 1/63) vs Pondicherry.