Hardik Tamore delivered the goods with a fine 114 as Mumbai took control of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Baroda, taking an overall lead of 415 at stumps on the fourth day here on Monday.
Having obtained a slender lead of 36 runs in the first innings which might eventually send Mumbai into the semifinals provided this contest ends in a draw, the hosts drove home the advantage to get to a commanding position.
Baroda veteran Bhargav Bhatt followed his first-innings seven-wicket haul with a similar performance, returning 7/142 in the second essay but Mumbai held the upper hand.
A lot of credit has to go to Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Tamore, who followed his laborious yet essential first-innings half-century with a ton in the second essay, especially when he was promoted to open.
Tamore formed vital stands through the fourth day’s play to keep the scoreboard ticking for Mumbai at the BKC Ground.
After adding 66 runs with Musheer Khan for the third wicket, Tamore put on 124 with Prithvi Shaw in just 157 balls for the fourth wicket.
Opener Shaw could only bat in the middle-order and he too was among runs, piling up a rapid 87 from 93 balls with 10 fours and two sixes which deflated the Baroda bowling attack.