Ranji Trophy: Delhi sleep, Mumbai make merry

Mumbai finished the Day Three on 376 for seven in their second innings; an overall lead of 366 runs with three wickets in hand and two days left. Herwadkar made 161 of 272 balls (25×4, 3×6) before he was caught behind, attempting a sweep against left-arm spinner Manan Sharma.

If Mumbai eventually pull it off, Herwadkar would be a top candidate for the Man of the Match award. More importantly, the innings might help him redeem his career. His progress has been slow at the senior level. After making his Ranji Trophy debut against Odisha at this very ground three seasons ago and scoring 11, Herwadkar was left out in the cold. He returned this season as Mumbai cricket decided to remove the old and usher in the new. But apart from that innings against Madhya Pradesh, Herwadkar had struggled to get into the groove, totalling only 180 runs in the four matches he played before the quarter-final. Wednesday could be a new beginning.

“Yes, the last three seasons were tough. But I was trying to enjoy my cricket in different age-group matches. Sanjay Manjrekar sir, Pravin Amre sir and Vinayak Mane sir were very helpful. They advised me to keep a positive mindset. This hundred is special, but I would feel better if it helps us win the match,” said Herwadkar.

It was not a perfect innings that he played. His footwork and choice of shots make him vulnerable outside the off stump. He was on 56 when a thick edge off Sumit Narwal flew between Delhi wicketkeeper Rahul Yadav and Virender Sehwag in first slip. Then, on 74, Unmukt Chand dropped a sitter in second slip. Narwal once again was the bowler. To Herwadkar’s credit, he remained unfazed and showed grit. If Herwadkar was the ‘hitman’, Shreyas Iyer was the ‘superman’ in the India Under-19 dressing room. The Mumbai No. 3 is a glorious driver of a cricket ball and some shots he played in front of the wicket — including a straight six off Rajat Bhatia — were magnificent. Century was there for the taking but Iyer mistimed a lofted shot off Parvinder Awana and Mithun Manhas made good ground at deep extra-cover to latch on to the opportunity.

The batsman made 82 off 124 balls (8×4, 2×6) and took his tally to 744 runs in nine matches. A place among the top six in the list of run-getters this season, the 20-year-old has been a find for Mumbai. With a Rs 2.6 crore IPL contract in his bag, Iyer can now aim higher. Herwadkar and Iyer added 177 runs for the second wicket which could prove decisive. Mumbai intend to add another 70-80 runs on Thursday. The pitch has eased out considerably and Delhi have a very formidable line-up. But batting fourth won’t be easy here.

Brief scores: Mumbai 156 & 376/7 (Akhil Herwadkar 161, Shreyas Iyer 82) vs Delhi 166.