Ranji Trophy: Part-timer Akhil Herwadkar grabs a fifer as Mumbai thrash Punjab

Mumbai: Talented youngster Mandeep Singh notched up his second first class century in as many games but could not prevent his side Punjab from going down to hosts Mumbai by an innings and 12 runs in their Group B Ranji Trophy cricket match here on Sunday.

Trailing Mumbai by 171 runs and commencing the final day at 244 for 4, Punjab's resistance ended in the second session for 403 in 127.2 overs at the Wankhede Stadium to provide the hosts with a much-needed outright win with a bonus point to boot.

Mandeep Singh, needing 18 more runs at the start of the day to compile his 10th first class hundred in his 50th match, duly reached the landmark before he was dismissed for 116, made off 208 balls and inclusive of 13 hits to the fence, by part-time spinner Akhil Herwadkar.

Herwadkar, who had bowled rival skipper Yuvraj Singh round his legs yesterday, emerged as the surprise packet in bowling for Mumbai with an innings haul of 6 for 52, five of which he claimed today.

Gitansh Khera kept Punjab in the hunt with a breezy 86 in 117 balls that was laced with 9 fours and 3 sixes before he was ninth out to off spinner Herwadkar.

Punjab batted much better than in the first innings when they were shot out for a meagre 154, but the huge lead of 415 that the conceded to Mumbai sealed their fate.

Mumbai, who conceded the first innings lead to Andhra at Vizianagaram in their lung opener, bagged 7 points to take their tally to 8 while Punjab picked up none to add to the 7 claimed against Railways in their first game at home.

Mumbai take on Tamil Nadu next at the BKC ground here from October 15-18 while Punjab clash with Gujarat at home in Mohali on the same dates.

Brief scores:

Punjab 154 and 403 all out (Jiwanjot Singh 91, Mandeep Singh 116, H Chawla 45, G Khera 86; A Herwadkar 6 for 52).

Mumbai 569 for 8 declared.

Points: Mumbai 7, Punjab 0.