Mumbai, December 23: Sachin Tendulkar kept his date with the MIG Club and his neighborhood providing a new year gift in the form of his 15th Ranji Trophy century today. His ton not only added another feather to the cap of Mumbai’s newest first-class venue but also lifted the sagging morale of the hosts, who struggled hard against Baroda in the early stages of the opening day.The master batsman, who shaped his early cricketing days at MIG Club which lies a few metres away from his Sahitya Sahvas residence, hit a responsible 108 to take Mumbai to safe shores. He set an example for the fellow batsmen helping the score read 391 for 8 at the end of day’s play, after Mumbai were fighting at 129 for 5 at lunch. After pace sensation Zaheer Khan and his new ball partner Rakesh Patel threatened to rip apart the opposition, Tendulkar walked in to guide the hosts’ fortunes. A strained left wrist and the use of a lighter bat couldn’t stop Tendulkar from producing another gem that changed the complete complexion of the game. A fifty first off just 42 balls (6x4, 1x6) and later a more responsible 58 from another 53 balls (5x4, 2x6) not only upset the Baroda plan but also saw Vinod Kambli (42), Sairaj Bahutule (67) and Ajit Agarkar (69 n.o) follow the master.Mumbai lower order defied the Baroda bowlers who would have been hoping to wind up the innings before the end of the day’s play , for a defiant unbeaten 9th wicket partnership between Ajit Agarkar and Paras Mhambrey of 87 ensured that the vsistors would have more hard work on the morrow.
