Ranji Trophy 2022-23: Ajinkya Rahane slams double century to put Mumbai in command against Hyderabad

Ajinkya Rahane registered a majestic double century representing Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy 2022-23 contest against Hyderabad at the MCA Cricket Ground in Mumbai on Wednesday. Put into bat by Hyderabad, Maharashtra scored 597 runs as of 115 overs, courtesy of Rahane’s double century coupled with Sarfaraz Khan’s 106 runs and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 162 runs.

The Maharashtra skipper played an impressive knock of 204 runs from 261 deliveries which included 26 boundaries and three maximums during his time at the crease. He looked well composed before hitting the ground running and carving out the brilliant knock. 

However, Rahane was then dismissed with a rather terrific delivery by Tanay Thyagarajan as he cleaned him up in the 111th over of Mumbai’s innings. The skipper is also looking to stake his claim back into the Indian red-ball side after losing his spot post India’s tour of South Africa earlier this year. Rahane has scored 4931 runs at an average of 38.52 with 12 centuries and 25 half-centuries in his 82 Tests thus far.

Mumbai look in complete control

The batting side have been marvellous in their innings and have not shown any signs of complacency with batters in complete control of the contest. Sarfaraz Khan, who is still on the crease with a century to his name, will look to continue piling up the vital runs on the board for the side.

On the other hand, Hyderabad will need to shift gears and look for the crucial breakthroughs before they head for their batting innings. Mehrdtra Shashank of the bowling side has added two wickets in the first innings and has proven to be economical for his team thus far.

The Tanmay Agarwal-led side will aim to replicate the batting innings of Mumbai with the openers and middle-order batters on the lookout for big scores in the contest.