Pandey’s unbeaten ton helps CG draw 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 in 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 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. Mumbai batter Ajinkya Rahane struck a fluent 159, while Siddhesh Lad (80) and Akash Anand (61) bolstered Mumbai's total to 416. Chhattisgarh's first innings collapse 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.