Ankit Bawne scores unbeaten 105 for Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy
Ankit Bawne scored his 25th first-class century as Maharashtra reached 287 for five against Services on day one.
Ankit Bawne scored an unbeaten 105 off 232 deliveries on the first day of Maharashtra's Ranji Trophy opener against Services at Palam on Sunday. The 34-year-old reached his 25th first-class century during Maharashtra's 287 for five, with Arjun Sharma taking three for 74 for Services.
Bawne said the hundred was special because it came after scoring only 72 runs at an average of 10.28 in the previous season. He had set himself a target of scoring a century regardless of pitch conditions and described the moment as one he had manifested.
The Maharashtra batter said his hunger at 34 remains the same as when he was 15. He referenced Paras Dogra's Ranji Trophy title win at 41 as motivation and said scoring 1,200 runs this season could earn him selection consideration from BCCI selectors.
CricHubb Take
Bawne's persistence after 19 years without an India call shows how domestic cricket can sustain careers that never translate to international level, yet still produce consistent first-class output.