Ranji Trophy: Prithvi Shaw fires, Ankit Bawne hits ton on Day 1 at Palam

Ankit Bawne turned the page on a difficult season with an unbeaten century as Maharashtra recovered from early setbacks to complete the opening day of their Ranji Trophy campaign with 287/5 against Services at the Palam A Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, October 11.

The 34-year-old Bawne, playing in his 19th Ranji Trophy season, was unbeaten on 105 off 232 deliveries on the stumps, hitting 11 boundaries and a six. The experienced batsman found an able ally in youngster Vicky Ostwal, who batted on 25 not out as the pair added an unbeaten 58 runs for the sixth wicket to give Maharashtra a good finish on a challenging surface.

Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Summary of Day 1

It was a knock that had special meaning for Bawne, who endured the worst season of his first-class career last year. He averaged just 10 in seven matches, a far cry from his career average of nearly 50. With age no longer on his side, a strong start to the new season was important for the Maharashtra player.

Bawne has spent the past two months preparing for the season and said he envisioned such a shift for several months. He delivered when his team needed him most on opening day.

Led by Prithvi Shaw in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was away on India A duty, Maharashtra lost two of their top three early on before Shaw provided a counter-attacking answer. The former India batsman blasted 70 off just 73 balls, hitting eight boundaries and a six to get Maharashtra back on track.

The pitch showed signs of uneven bounce early as left-arm paceman Rajbahadur Pal found movement and left-arm spinner Arjun Sharma struck early. Shaw mixed the aggression carefully, negotiating difficult periods before seizing scoring opportunities.

He looked set for a higher score but was bowled by Arjun just before lunch, leaving Maharashtra to rebuild.

PATIENT TON OF BHAWNE

That’s when Bawne stepped out. He put on a 48-run partnership with Shaw before combining with Siddhesh Veer for a valuable 78-run stand for the fifth wicket. These partnerships helped Maharashtra sail through a surface that required patience and focus.

Bawne’s innings was a reminder of the value of experience in first-class cricket, especially away from home where the conditions can test a batsman’s technique and temperament.

The Maharashtra selectors, watching from the stands at Palam, would have been pleased with the team’s recovery and Bawne’s response on a tricky pitch on the opening day. After a tough campaign last season, the veteran has given himself and Maharashtra a timely reason for optimism as the new Ranji Trophy season begins.

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