Shams Mulani and Akash Anand once again proved to be the backbone of Mumbai’s batting lineup, delivering vital half-centuries to steer the side to a commanding 396 on Day Two of their Group D clash against Railways. Resuming at 247/6 under the searing sun at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai required resilience from their lower order on a surface that was slowing down. Mulani and Anand answered the call, stitching together a crucial 82-run partnership off 150 balls for the seventh wicket, ensuring the team posted a competitive total despite early pressure.
A gritty 82-run stand steadies the ship as Mumbai posts a commanding 396 at Brabourne.
The partnership ended when Akash Anand was trapped leg-before by Himanshu Sangwan, who finished with impressive figures of 4/88. Anand’s 52 runs off 71 balls, featuring seven boundaries, marked the third half-century of his first-class career and highlighted his growing importance to the squad. This performance follows a standout 210-run fifth-wicket stand with Sarfaraz Khan against Himachal Pradesh, where Anand scored an unbeaten 117, cementing his status as a reliable lower-order contributor this season.
Shams Mulani, who remained at the crease with 71 off 153 balls and seven fours, continued to forge small but valuable contributions that have become a hallmark of his recent form. With Railways trailing by 280 runs and sitting at 116/2 in 35 overs at stumps, Mumbai holds a significant advantage in the match. The resilience displayed by Mulani and Anand not only stabilized the innings but also set a formidable target, putting Railways under immense pressure to chase down the deficit in the remaining sessions.
Source: Yahoo Sports
