Jaipur: The absence of Zaheer Khan and Ajit Agarkar was felt dearly by Mumbai as the defending champions Rajasthan riding on a double century stand between Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Vineet Saxena piled up a dominating 269/2 on the first day of their Ranji Trophy match at the KL Saini Stadium on Friday.
Saxena and Kanitkar joined forces in the second over after opener Ankit Lamba was out for nine. They played for the major part of the first day and stitched a partnership of 220 runs to deny Mumbai any success in the day. Kanitkar was however out for 119 while Saxena was batting on 114 at stumps.
Kanitkar hit 15 boundaries and a six in his 192-ball innings, while Saxena faced 302 deliveries and hit 17 boundaries.
Earlier Rohit Sharma opting to field first on the green track.The pitch saw some early movement off the surface and the wicket of opener Lamba must have brought smile to their faces. But the duo of Saxena and Kanitkar batted cautiously too see of the initial danger and once they settled in started unleashing on the bowlers.
It was Kanitkar who gave the initial charge and took the attack on to the Mumbai bowlers, while Saxena played with caution.
It looked like there was no stopping these two batsmen once they set their eyes in.
Kanitkar was trapped leg-before after he failed to read a slider from Ankit Chavan.
Robin Bist joined Saxena at the crease and they saw off rest of the overs without taking any risks.
By Indian Sports News Network