Sachin Tendulkar disappoints in his last Ranji Trophy match

Sachin Tendulkar was bowled by Mohit Sharma

Much to the delight of the fans of who had gathered at the stadium, Mumbai bowling attack- the pace bowlers in particular- bowled out Haryana in just 35.3 overs to maximise the chances of watching Sachin Tendulkar bat right from the first day of Ranji Trophy opener at the Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium, Rohtak.

Zaheer Khan managed to pick up only one wicket and was quite expensive in conceding 38 runs off his 10 overs. Abhishek Nayar accounted for four lower wickets. In reply to Haryana’s 134, Mumbai lost both their openers Kaustubh Pawar and Wasim Jaffer cheaply, with just 32 runs on the board.

Wasim Jaffer’s dismissal off Joginder Sharma’s bowling was greeted with a roar as the excitement level reached another level with Tendulkar slotted in to come at number 4. Tendulkar opened his account with an exquisite straight drive that split the non-striker and the umpire.

The trademark short of Tendulkar only increased the expectations. But as it turned out, the Master Blaster was soon dismissed by an inswinger from the Chennai Super Kings pace bowler Mohit Sharma. The good length delivery from the bowler came in to disturb the woodwork and send him back for just 5 off 7 deliveries. Mumbai ended the day on 100/4 with Ajinkya Rahane (44 off 96) and the night-watchman Dhawal Kulkarni at the crease.

The chances of Tendulkar batting again don’t look so promising as even if Haryana manage to get a lead it will be too little which means Mumbai will have to alter their batting order or the top three would make a short work off the target.