Muzumdar, Kambli hit centuries

Mumbai held all the aces at close of play on the third day of their West Zone Ranji Trophy league match against Saurashtra at the Wankhede stadium on Wednesday.

After gaining a first innings lead of 114, Mumbai, helped by centuries by skipper Amol Muzumdar and Vinod Kambli hit up 372 for four before declaring shortly before close. Saurashtra in quest of an unlikely victory target of 487, were 33 without loss by stumps.

Mumbai opener Amit Phagnis contributed a valuable 50, compiled off 135 balls and inclusive of six hits to the fence. But it was the fourth wicket partnership of 229 runs off 52.3 overs between Muzumdar and Kambli that put the home team firmly in command. The captain batted 254 minutes, faced 168 balls and hit 15 fours and two sixes in his 131 while the former Indian left hander batted in equally fluent fashion. For his unbeaten 125, Kambli batted 233 minutes, faced 177 balls and hit 16 fours and a six. N Odedra was the one bowler to stand up to the punishment and he was rewarded with three of the four wickets for 130 runs off 38 overs.

Saurashtra faced an uncomfortable hour's batting but openers RC Vasanth Kumar (16) and BM Jadeja (11) came through unbeaten at stumps.