Ayush Pandey’s unbeaten 117 helps Chhattisgarh draw after follow-on against Mumbai

RAIPUR: Left-hand batter Ayush Pandey produced a gritty, match-saving knock of 117 not out in the second innings to help Chhattisgarh salvage a draw against Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group encounter at the BKC Ground, Mumbai, on Tuesday. After being forced to follow on, Chhattisgarh—who were bundled out for 217 in reply to Mumbai’s imposing first-innings total of 416—displayed resilience in their second outing, finishing the final day on 201 for 3 in 58 overs, just two runs ahead. Pandey, who had earlier scored a well-compiled 50 in the first innings, anchored the fightback with a mature display of temperament and technique. His unbeaten 117 came off 171 balls and included 17 boundaries and a six, standing tall against Mumbai’s strong spin attack led by Shams Mulani and Himanshu Singh. The southpaw found crucial support from skipper Amandeep Khare (25 not out off 73 balls), with the duo stitching together an unbroken 85-run stand for the fourth wicket that denied Mumbai a victory after enforcing the follow-on. Earlier in the match, veteran Mumbai batter Ajinkya Rahane had struck a fluent 159, while Siddhesh Lad (80) and Akash Anand (61) bolstered Mumbai’s total to 416. Off-spinner A A Sarvate was the pick of the bowlers for Chhattisgarh, returning figures of 5 for 103. Chhattisgarh’s first innings collapse had left them in deep trouble, with Mulani claiming 5 for 59, but Pandey’s defiance in the second innings ensured they walked away with crucial points for the draw.