An utterly defensive ploy by the Mumbai lower middle order paid off as they put themselves in a commanding position, posting 400 in their first essay. They then snapped up two quick Haryana wickets.
At the core of Mumbai’s stubborn resistance was Ramesh Powar (53; 6x4). Resuming on 238 for 5 Mumbai added just 65 in 35 overs bowled in the morning season. With the ball doing a bit, Ajinkya Rahane and Power minimised risk. Despite the batsmen going at a snail’s pace, Haryana’s bowlers tried every trick in the book. Amit Mishra employed an attacking field and his bowlers responded well.
Rahane (143) added just 27 to his overnight total, and shared in a 57-run stand from 205 balls with Powar before being caught at gully. Part time offie Ankit Rawat snapped up Vinayak Samant but Powar continued to frustrate. He shared a 55- run eighth-wicket stand with Iqbal Abdulla to propel Mumbai past 350. Powar’s 288-minute vigil ended when he was caught by Sunny Singh at first slip. Abdulla took Mumbai past 400. Haryana then reached 32 for 2, with Dhawal Kulkarni picking up both wickets.