Reminding the new selection committee about his presence, dashing opener Prithvi Shaw slammed a magnificent 163 not out (187b, 24x4, 1x6)- including a century before lunch- to power Mumbai to 268 for 2 in just 61.1 overs against Assam on the opening day of their Elite Group B Ranji Trophy fifth round encounter at the brand-new, picturesque Amingaon Cricket Ground in Guwahati, which is hosting its first first-class game.
Taking a single off Rohan Alam, a fired-up Shaw reached his 12th first-class century, which came off just 107 balls and included 15 fours and a six, just before lunch, with Mumbai placed in a strong position at 171 for 1 in just 36 overs after the first session on Tuesday. It was the first century for Shaw in this edition of the Ranji Trophy. After Mumbai were asked to take first strike, Shaw forged a 123-run opening stand with Musheer Khan (42, 72b, 5x4, 1x6), who replaced an ill Yashasvi Jaiswal, off just 142 balls.
The partnership ended when Musheer was caught behind by Abhishek Thakur off Mukhtar Hussain. Thereafter, Shaw added 74 off 103 balls with Armaan Jaffer, who was run out for 27, for the second wicket. He then found another ally in skipper Ajinkya Rahane (23 not out), and they had added 71 in 124 balls for the third wicket without being separated.
Making a couple of changes to their side, Mumbai rested pacer Tushar Deshpande, bringing in left-arm seamer Royston Dias. They also dropped wicketkeeper Hardik Tamore, replacing him with Prasad Pawar, who made his First-Class debut.
