Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Teen Ayush Mhatre hits 176 for Mumbai Round 2

Mumbai's team performed two outstanding performances against Maharashtra in the current Ranji Trophy 2024 match. After a run of poor scores, veteran pro-Shreyas Iyer made a spectacular return to form with a vital hundred, while 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre hit a magnificent maiden first-class century.

After Hardik Tamore and Prithvi Shaw departed cheaply and built vital partnerships with captain Ajinkya Rahane and Iyer, Mhatre took the responsibility of getting his team back on track while batting on a difficult pitch where Maharashtra was bowled for a meagre 126. Mhatre scored 176 runs off 232 balls, hitting four sixes and 22 fours.

Ayush Mhatre shines in Ranji Trophy:

A century for Shreyas Iyer, soon after Ayush Mhatre falls for 176. He'll be chuffed about it as Mumbai's lead crosses 200#RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/FVFwVy1O8L

— Vishal Dikshit (@Vishal1686) October 19, 2024

Following his century, Mhatre stated, "I was confident that this innings would continue to build on the first hundred, which is always special. The team expects me to play with control and in accordance with the situation."

The adolescent, who was from the far-off Mumbai neighbourhood of Virar, used to trek 80 kilometres to pursue his goals. Mhatre's efforts have finally paid off in just his third first-class match, thanks to the support of his family, especially his grandfather and uncle. Following Musheer Khan's vehicle accident, the right-hand batter, who had not been included in the team at first, was brought in.

Iyer, meantime, couldn't have timed his century more perfectly. The seasoned batsman eventually lifted his bat after a lean patch. The 29-year-old, who is batting at 101 runs, is still at the crease with Suryakumar Yadav. Iyer was not at his best in the Duleep Trophy 2024 or the Irani Cup final, so the century was a huge confidence boost.

Mumbai's secure position in the match was primarily due to the combination between Mhatre and Iyer, who led the team to 335/4 at lunchtime on Day 2 with a 209-run lead.

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