Akash Anand's unbeaten 117 puts Mumbai in control against Himachal Pradesh
Akash Anand's unbeaten 117 and Sarfaraz Khan's 154 powered Mumbai to 528 for eight declared and a 388-run lead over Himachal Pradesh.
Akash Anand scored an unbeaten 117 to guide Mumbai to 528 for eight declared against Himachal Pradesh at the Luhnu Cricket Ground. Anand added an unbroken 210-run stand with Sarfaraz Khan, who made 154 before falling to Jitender Rana. The partnership came after Mumbai had lost their way following Sarfaraz's century.
Mumbai lost four wickets for 59 runs after Sarfaraz's dismissal, but Anand remained composed and reached his fourth first-class century. Tushar Deshpande had earlier taken four wickets as Himachal were bowled out for 140 in the first innings.
Himachal reached 144 for three in their second innings, still trailing by 244 runs. Captain Pukhraj Mann and Vaibhav Kalta added an unbroken 66-run partnership to take the match into the final day.
CricHubb Take
The 244-run deficit means Himachal must bat the final day out to avoid defeat, and Anand's composure under pressure gives Mumbai the option to push for the win rather than settle for a draw.