Mumbai: A brilliant third wicket partnership between Cheteshwar Pujara and Hiken Shah helped Mumbai A reach 232-4 at stumps on day 2 against England XI at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai. Pujara scored 87 runs, while Shah was unbeaten on 84 at the end of the day’s play.
Earlier in the day, England XI started their innings at 338/6, Samit Patel who was unbeaten on 59 overnight could only add one run to his account before getting out. England XI soon declared at 345/9.
In reply, Mumbai A got off to a bad start as they lost Bhavin Thakkar for five. Shikhar Dhawan (27) and Pujara added 28 runs for the second wicket before Dhawan got out to Joe Root.
Shah then came out to support Pujara and together they played intelligent cricket to take the innings forward. Both the players took their time and waited for the lose deliveries to score on. They hardly played a bad shot and made England XI bowlers sweat in the middle.
Pujara closing on his century got out to Panesar, Anderson then came back to pick Suryakumar Yadav (17) on the last delivery of the day.
Brief Score:
England XI 345 for 9 (Bairstow 118, Morgan 76, Patel 60)
Mumbai A 232/4 (Pujara 87, Shah 84*)
By Indian Sports News Network