Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Akash Anand’s composed century puts Mumbai in control against Himachal Pradesh

File photo: Akash Anand ensured Mumbai finished with a formidable 528 for eight declared and a 388-run lead against Himachal Pradesh. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

A finger injury kept Akash Anand from keeping wickets, but did little to blunt his impact with the bat.

As Mumbai lost its way after Sarfaraz Khan’s commanding daddy hundred, the wicketkeeper-batter stood firm, weathered a flurry of wickets and completed his fourth first-class century (117 n.o., 239b, 14x4) to put his side firmly in control against Himachal Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy Group D fixture at the Luhnu Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

The fifth-wicket stand between the two was worth 210 runs, with Sarfaraz setting the tone with a 154 (228b, 19x4) before falling to Jitender Rana, who returned four for 108. Anand carried on, ensuring Mumbai finished with a formidable 528 for eight declared and a 388-run lead.

Resuming at 398 for four, Mumbai would have hoped Sarfaraz could push on towards a double hundred. Instead, his dismissal triggered a slide, with Mumbai losing four wickets for 59 runs. Anand, however, remained composed, reaching his milestone even as wickets tumbled at the other end.

ALSO READ | Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Sai Kishore hat-trick helps Tamil Nadu complete innings win over Uttarakhand

Himachal, which had been bowled out inside 40 overs in the first innings, showed greater resolve in its second essay.

It ended Day 3 at 144 for three, still trailing by 244 runs.

Despite early strikes from Mohit Avasthi and Sylvester D’Souza, captain Pukhraj Mann and Vaibhav Kalta dug in, stitching together an unbroken fourth-wicket 66-run partnership to take the contest into the final day.

Under a blazing sun, Mumbai’s bowlers struggled to maintain their early pressure. Vikram Rathour, the former India batter, who is now a consultant with Himachal Pradesh, had spent time with the players after Monday’s play. The improved application was evident as the home side battled to stay afloat.

Himachal Pradesh still has a mountain to climb, while Mumbai will return on Wednesday eyeing the seven wickets needed to seal a bonus-point win.