An aggressive knock of 90 by promising youngster Rohit Sharma helped Mumbai defeat Gujarat by 21 runs and register their second successive win in the West Zone League Ranji Trophy One-Day tournament, at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Monday.
Following a delayed start, due to unseasonal rain that saw the match being reduced to 25-overs per side, former champions Mumbai, resting on Sharma's brilliant 51-ball effort, compiled a total of 194 for the loss of seven wickets.
Seeking to get their campaign back on track after a defeat in their opening match, Gujarat, apart from a brief period, failed to get things going as they faltered in what was a demanding run-chase.
With the exception of southpaw Parthiv Patel, who top-scored with 57, the Gujarat batsmen struggled for a major part that saw them manage just 173 for eight in the stipulated overs.
Continuing his fine form, off-spinner Ramesh Powar, who failed to find a place in the World Cup squad, grabbed three crucial wickets at the cost of just 27 runs.
Maharashtra (10 points) continued to lead the league table after they accumulated another bonus point during their seven-wicket victory over Saurashtra, also in a reduced overs match, played at the Brabourne stadium.
Asked to bat, Mumbai after losing their openers early, recovered well through the 82-run third wicket stand featuring Rohit Sharma and Ramesh Powar (36).
Rohit cracked eleven boundaries and three sixes in an effort that helped the home side maintain a healthy run-rate throughout the innings.
Mumbai took their tally to eight points and are currently second in the table.
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