Ton-up Tendulkar and Rahane grind Railways

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Sachin Tendulkar made full use of the opening Ranji Trophy Group A game against Railways by notching up a fluent hundred to put Mumbai in driver's seat on the first day along with another centurion Ajinkya Rahane.

The duo's 200-run partnership for the fourth wicket took the hosts to 344/4 at stumps, as the Railway bowlers toiled hard on a hot and humid day at Wankhede, here on Friday. The Little Master's breezy knock of 137 (136b, 21x4, 3x6) during his 181-minute display, will give him enough confidence ahead of the home Test series against England. Above all his timing and feet movement was as silken as ever. It was his 18th ton for Mumbai and 79th first class century.

Rahane who struck halfcentury against England two days ago, staked his claim for the Test spot again with unbeaten knock of 105 (207b, 13x4).

Rahane was let off at second slip by Murali Kartik off Hardik Rathod when on seven. Rohit Sharma came in at No. 4 ahead of Tendulkar but was unfortunately run out.

Tendulkar, who was down with stomach bug the previous day, came into bat at 143/3, to a big roar from the crowd. Tendulkar found his fluency with back to back straight boundaries of left arm bowler Ashish Yadav.

Shivakant Shukla was also greeted with a six over midwicket.

At tea, Mumbai were placed comfortably at 214/3 in 64 overs. Tendulkar brought up his fifty in 69 balls.
Rahane was on 84 when Tendulkar reached his fifty but the Master raced to his hundred off just 103 balls while Rahane was still six shy off his hundred.