Ranji Trophy: Skipper Ajinkya Rahane shines with century in quarter-finals
What's the story
Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane has been on fire in the ongoing Ranji Trophy quarter-final match against Haryana.
His brilliant century in the third innings has put Mumbai in a strong position in the match.
Rahane brought up his century off 160 balls, hitting 12 boundaries in the process.
This was his 41st First-Class century and has given Mumbai a lead of over 300 runs against Haryana.
Captaincy prowess
Rahane's leadership steers Mumbai through early setbacks
Rahane's captaincy was tested as Mumbai lost two early wickets within the first 50 runs in their second innings.
The team suffered another blow as they lost their third wicket just before reaching 100 runs.
However, Rahane, batting at number four, not only steadied the innings but also set a new course for his team.
Strategic alliances
Rahane's partnerships bolster Mumbai's score
Rahane shared an important partnership with Suryakumar Yadav, adding 129 runs to Mumbai's total for the fourth wicket.
Yadav made 70 off 86 balls before getting out.
After Yadav's departure, left-handed all-rounder Shivam Dube joined hands with Rahane and continued to add to their team's total.
It was during this partnership that Rahane scripted his latest century in first-class cricket.
Match progression
Mumbai's 1st innings lead and Haryana's response
In the first innings of the quarter-final match, Rahane scored 31 runs off 58 balls with five boundaries.
Mumbai had posted a total of 315 runs in their first innings, courtesy of Tanush Kotian (97) and Shams Mulani's (91) significant contributions.
Haryana was bowled out for 301 runs in their first innings, with Ankik Kumar scoring a century.
This gave Mumbai a 14-run lead after the first innings as Shardul Thakur dismissed six batters.
Career
A look at his First-Class numbers
Rahane was eventually dismissed for 108 off 180 balls (13 fours).
Playing his 200th First-Class game, he has now raced to 13,970 runs in with his average being over 45, as per ESPNcricinfo.
The tally includes 41 tons and 59 half-centuries. 265* reads his highest score in the format.
In Test cricket, Rahane has mustered 5,077 runs in 85 games at an average of 38.46 with 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
Information
Second 50-plus score of the season
This was Rahane's second 50-plus score of the season which his taken his tally to 437 runs across eight matches in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy at 39.72. He would like to enhance his tally if Mumbai qualify for the semis.