Mumbai was given a massive goal of 510 after its Indian players failed to impress against TNCA XI in their last group-stage match of the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament here on Thursday.
Mumbai was bowled out for just 156 on the second day of the match on Wednesday, against TNCA XI’s first innings total of 379.
Although Suryakumar Yadav (30) failed to convert a lead, attempts by Sarfaraz Khan (6) and Shreyas Iyer (2) to share some quality time in the middle were unsuccessful.
R Sai Kishore, a TNCA spinner, dealt the most damage, going five for 36.
“The reason why I am participating in the Buchi Babu Tournament is because I needed some game time before the Duleep Trophy. Thus, I worked extra hard at the nets, and thankfully, it has paid off. I wish to continue with the same momentum in the Duleep Trophy too,” Kishore told PTI.
When asked if he will soon receive a call-up to play for India, Sai Kishore remained upbeat about his prospects.
“Everything depends on whether or not I merit the call-up. Without a doubt, I will be called up if I genuinely earn it. Up until then, all I have to do is keep doing what I do best; everything else will work itself out,” he continued.
Day Three’s second innings saw Lokeshwar S hit the highest for TNCA XI with 73, with Athish SR (57) and Mokit Hariharan RS (52) providing ample support.
In their second essay, TNCA XI scored 286.
Openers Athish and Lokeshwar of the TNCA XI put up a 142-run partnership on Thursday, but spinner Musheer Khan broke the chain by dismissing the former.
The TNCA XI eventually conceded 286 runs after losing wickets on a consistent basis.
TNCA XI did, however, have a bit more cushion thanks to a 223-run lead in the first innings, and Hariharan’s cool-headed late blow further contributed to the team’s advantage.
Spinner Tanush Kotian scored 5/91 for Mumbai, while veteran Shams Mulani finished with a 4/73 score.
After two overs, the visitors reached six without losing a wicket.
