Ranji Trophy | Shreyas’ counterattacking century overpowers Walunj’s six-for for fighting Maharashtra

Maharashtra Derby of Ranji Trophy: Mumbai dominates with a massive lead, Shreyas Iyer's century, and Maharashtra's solid partnership.

A record missed. End of a drought. A memorable outing. And a promising partnership. That can be the summation of the second day’s play of the Maharashtra Derby of Ranji Trophy between arch-rivals Mumbai and Maharashtra.

Hitesh Walunj, the Maharashtra left-arm spinner, did halt teenager Ayush Mhatre’s (176, 232b, 22x4, 4x6) march towards becoming the third youngest Indian to notch up a First Class double hundred. But Walunj’s fifth five-wicket haul (six for 134) could not stop Shreyas Iyer’s onslaught.

Shreyas (142, 190b, 12x4, 4x6) ended a 35-month drought of a First Class ton as the centurion duo’s 200-run partnership was instrumental in Mumbai putting on a massive first-innings lead of 315 runs at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy Ground.

Despite Shardul Thakur striking in the opening over in as many days, opener Sachin Dhas and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad put on a solid unbroken 141-run partnership to help Maharashtra end day two at 142 for one.

While Dhas blocked and left with ease, Ruturaj was at his brutal best. Having swapped their batting positions, the duo did not spare anything that was pitched up by the pacers and spinners alike. Ruturaj’s cover drives, including one off Tanush Kotian in the last over before Stumps, were a treat to watch.

The duo will have to continue the vigil in the same manner that Mhatre and Shreyas did in the morning.

The Mumbai pair doubled their overnight 97-run association. While Mhatre continued to bat with flair, Shreyas rotated strike and created boundary balls at will.