Railways came into their Elite group Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai wait listed for a berth in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals. With a day to go, their status on the reservation list seems to have drastically improved. The third day saw Mumbai, after conceding a lead of 34, closing at 10 for the loss of opener Amit Valeskar.After restricting Mumbai to 248 yesterday, Railways agenda today was simple: Get quick runs to buy enough time to dismiss the visitors again. The launch to ‘Project Run Chase’ was perfect, courtesy openers Amit Pagnis and JP Yadav. But a snag midway saw the hosts declare at 282 first two sessions went according to the script with Pagnis flexing his muscles against city mates in his adopted home. An inning of 116 saw him score his second ton this season and take his overall tally to 400 plus. Yadav, at the other end, too seemed a man in hurry scoring 60 with the aid of eight fours and three sixes.Things didn’t change much after Yadav’s dismissal as it brought the free-flowing TP Singh to the crease. As the southpaws Singh and Pagnis danced around the ring throwing their punches at will on their rivals, the Railways went past Mumbai in express speed. But in a space of seven overs they slumped to 282/8 from a strong position of 267 scores: Mumbai (1st innings): 248 and 10/. Railways 282 for 8 decl (JP Yadav 60, A Pagnis 116, TP Singh 83; Paras Mhambray 2/56, Nilesh Kulkarni 5/56)
