Kuruvilla, Mhambrey put Mumbai in command

Two former Indian opening bowlers Abhey Kuruvilla and Paras Mhambrey struck as Mumbai took a handsome first innings lead of 114 runs on the second day of their West Zone Ranji Trophy league match against Saurashtra at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. The home team then consolidated their position by hitting 53 for one at close of play.

It was Mhambrey who rocked Saurashtra initially by taking three quick wickets. He dismissed both openers SS Tanna and Vasanth Kumar in his first over for ducks. Saurashtra, in reply to Mumbai's 297 were tottering at 44 for five. Then FU Bambhaniya (59) and MM Parmar (32) steadied the innings with a sixth wicket partnership of 80 runs in 24 overs. Then it was Kuruvilla's turn to strike. He dismissed both Bambhaniya and Parmar, took two more wickets and Saurashtra were again struggling at 140 for nine. A last wicket stand of 43 runs in 14.3 overs between Garsondia (25) and Chavda (15 not out) stretched the innings a bit. Mhambrey had three for 46 while Kuruvilla finished with five for 47.