Mumbai pile on the runs

Openers Sahil Kukreja's maiden ton and Wasim Jaffer's half-century helped Mumbai pile up 302 runs for loss of three wickets against traditional rivals Maharashtra on the opening day of their crucial four-day Ranji Trophy Elite Division Group B league match in Nasik.

Kukreja scored 114 off 211 balls, which included 14 hits to the fence, and Jaffer 78, aided by two towering sixes off Maharashtra skipper Sairaj Bahatule and 11 fours from 144 balls.

At close, Hiken Shah was batting on 69 with teenager Rohit Sharma giving him company on 15.

Earlier, Mumbai skipper Amol Muzumdar won the toss and elected to bat, a decision which was justified by Kukareja and Jaffer by scoring 162 runs for the first wicket.

The duo made a cautious and steady start taking their team to a comfartable 107 for no loss in 34 overs at lunch.

An hour after the break, Jaffer was caught and bowled by S Sriram.

Both the teams need an outright victory to cement their place in the semi-final.

Scorecard

Mumbai 1st innings
Kukreja c Khadiwale b Sanclecha 114
Jaffer c & b Sriram 78
Shah not out 69
Muzumdar c Kanitkar b Bahutule 11
Sharma not out 15
Extras (1lb, 14nb) 15
Total (for 3 wickets, 90 overs) 302

Fall of wickets: 1-162, 2-249, 3-271

Bowling: Sanclecha 19-2 84-1, Bhoir 15-3-46-0, Khadiwale 11-7-18-0, Bahutule 15-1-65-1, Sriram 13-1-46-1, Jadhav 17-1-42-0